The feud between President Hakainde Hichilema and Edgar Lungu creates further division in Zambia as funeral arrangements spiral into chaos.
**Presidential Rivalry Continues Even in Death: Zambia's Turmoil**
**Presidential Rivalry Continues Even in Death: Zambia's Turmoil**
A deep-rooted political rivalry complicates the funeral of former Zambian President Edgar Lungu.
The tension in Zambia has reached a fever pitch following the death of former President Edgar Lungu, highlighting the unresolved animosity with current President Hakainde Hichilema. Lungu, who passed on June 5, had requested before his death that Hichilema not attend his funeral, further intensifying the rift between the two leaders who had battled against one another in three presidential elections.
Originally, Sunday was set to be a day of national mourning for the 68-year-old who served as president from 2015 to 2021, but plans have quickly unraveled. Expectation for a state funeral at a prominent conference center in Lusaka was dashed amidst disputes over arrangements. Lungu’s family indicated a desire for complete control of the funeral planning, which has clashed with government initiatives to orchestrate a state-approved service.
The feud surfaced publicly when Lungu's daughter, Tasila, announced her father’s death via social media without any immediate acknowledgment from Hichilema – a delay that raised eyebrows and further inflamed tensions. Condolences poured in from various leaders, yet none came from the incumbent president until hours later, prompting suggestions that his remarks fell short of genuine sentiment.
Hichilema's victory over Lungu in 2021 came after a long battle characterized by profound personal grievances, highlighted by Hichilema's 2017 imprisonment under treason accusations connected to an alleged protocol violation involving Lungu's motorcade. This history has haunted their relationship, with numerous claims of police harassment and accusations of anti-democratic tactics stemming from both parties.
Though Lungu attempted to re-enter politics in late 2023 amidst dissatisfaction with Hichilema’s governance, the former president faced a backlash, including the withdrawal of retirement perks and reported harassment under the current regime. Many, including Lungu's family, expressed discontent with how the administration was treating him and his legacy.
Tragically, Lungu sought medical attention in South Africa too late, further deepening the family’s blame against current Zambian officials. Instead of a harmonious memorial for a leader who once sat at the highest political office, Zambia now stands divided, their hopes for reconciliation turned into a bitter divide.
With arrangements now postponed indefinitely, it is uncertain who will attend the burial, set to take place in South Africa, as many mourners in Zambia are left without a chance to honor the late president. As the nation grapples with ongoing political division, the death of Edgar Lungu has only added fuel to an already contentious fire.
Originally, Sunday was set to be a day of national mourning for the 68-year-old who served as president from 2015 to 2021, but plans have quickly unraveled. Expectation for a state funeral at a prominent conference center in Lusaka was dashed amidst disputes over arrangements. Lungu’s family indicated a desire for complete control of the funeral planning, which has clashed with government initiatives to orchestrate a state-approved service.
The feud surfaced publicly when Lungu's daughter, Tasila, announced her father’s death via social media without any immediate acknowledgment from Hichilema – a delay that raised eyebrows and further inflamed tensions. Condolences poured in from various leaders, yet none came from the incumbent president until hours later, prompting suggestions that his remarks fell short of genuine sentiment.
Hichilema's victory over Lungu in 2021 came after a long battle characterized by profound personal grievances, highlighted by Hichilema's 2017 imprisonment under treason accusations connected to an alleged protocol violation involving Lungu's motorcade. This history has haunted their relationship, with numerous claims of police harassment and accusations of anti-democratic tactics stemming from both parties.
Though Lungu attempted to re-enter politics in late 2023 amidst dissatisfaction with Hichilema’s governance, the former president faced a backlash, including the withdrawal of retirement perks and reported harassment under the current regime. Many, including Lungu's family, expressed discontent with how the administration was treating him and his legacy.
Tragically, Lungu sought medical attention in South Africa too late, further deepening the family’s blame against current Zambian officials. Instead of a harmonious memorial for a leader who once sat at the highest political office, Zambia now stands divided, their hopes for reconciliation turned into a bitter divide.
With arrangements now postponed indefinitely, it is uncertain who will attend the burial, set to take place in South Africa, as many mourners in Zambia are left without a chance to honor the late president. As the nation grapples with ongoing political division, the death of Edgar Lungu has only added fuel to an already contentious fire.
