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Edgar Lungu’s Family Blocks Repatriation of His Body Amid Funeral Dispute with Zambian Government

  • Writer: Southerton Business Times
    Southerton Business Times
  • Jun 20
  • 2 min read

A man in a suit and tie stares seriously at the camera. Black and white setting with a plain background. Mood is serious.
Former President of Zambia

Reporter

This was a growing story, Click here for the Latest Update. The family of the late former Zambian President Edgar Lungu has stopped the transportation of his remains from South Africa, citing a breach of funeral arrangements by the government.

According to family spokesperson Makebi Zulu, the return was suspended after the Zambian government allegedly issued a funeral programme without consulting the family. Family members have accused the government of reneging on crucial funeral agreements and say they have lost confidence in the state’s willingness to uphold its commitments.

Lungu's remains were expected to arrive in Zambia on Wednesday, June 18, via a private charter, but according to family spokesperson Makebi Zulu, the return was suspended after the Zambian government allegedly issued a funeral programme without consulting the family.

The development comes despite the two parties reaching an agreement earlier this week over key burial arrangements, including the choice of mourning venue, who would repatriate his body from South Africa and who should preside over the funeral. Despite accusing the government of failing to honour its part of the funeral agreement, Zulu said the family remains optimistic that the situation will be resolved and that the deceased will be repatriated and given a proper burial in Zambia.

His body was expected to lie in state at his residence, then be taken to a conference centre in the capital, Lusaka, for three days starting Thursday, allowing the public to pay their respects. A state funeral had also been planned for Sunday, June 22, with official mourning ending on June 23. When the family and Zambian government initially came to a consensus, they announced that Lungu would be laid to rest next Monday, although it remained unclear whether his final resting place would be the official presidential burial site or his private residence.The former president died earlier this month while undergoing specialised medical care in South Africa.

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