Family to Bury Former Zambian President in South Africa Amid Dispute

Private Ceremony Planned After Government Conflict

The family of Zambia’s late former president, Edgar Lungu, has declared his burial will occur in South Africa. This decision follows a disagreement with the Zambian government regarding the state funeral arrangements, causing a change of plans for the deceased leader.

The family stopped the repatriation of Lungu’s remains from South Africa, where he died on June 5, after learning that President Hakainde Hichilema intended to receive the body. This was against the late leader’s wishes.

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In reaction, Hichilema cut short the extended period of national mourning for Lungu, whom he succeeded in 2021 after winning the elections.

“The Lungu family continues to seek peace and unity amongst fellow Zambians during this time,”

—Makebi Zulu, Spokesman

Lungu, who was 68 years old, passed away, but the cause of his death remains undisclosed. The former president had been receiving specialized care at a Pretoria clinic. Reports indicate that in 2023, the average life expectancy in Zambia was around 65 years (World Bank).

Political Aftermath and Family Troubles

Lungu governed the copper-rich nation of Zambia from 2015. He lost the elections to Hichilema in 2021. Since then, his wife and children have faced charges of corruption and possessing suspected proceeds of crime, which the family claims is politically motivated.

Tasila Lungu, Lungu’s daughter, was arrested in February on money laundering charges. She had previously been detained with her mother and sister on fraud charges in 2024. His son, Dalitso, also faces corruption charges.

Initially, the mourning period was set for seven days and was extended by nine more days to culminate on June 23, the day of the scheduled state funeral. However, Hichilema curtailed the mourning period four days early due to the family’s rejection of the body’s return.