Written by Lisa Murimi
Zambia’s President Hakainde Hichilema has officially ended the national mourning period for the late former President Edgar Lungu following a standoff with his family over funeral arrangements.
The government had extended the mourning period by nine days to allow for a state funeral. However, the Lungu family declined to release his body from South Africa, citing unresolved grievances, despite earlier agreements with the state.
In a national address on Thursday, President Hichilema said the extended mourning would conclude on June 19, stating,
“Our country cannot afford a state of indefinite mourning. It is time for Zambia to begin returning to normalcy.”
The dispute has highlighted lingering political tensions between Lungu and Hichilema, who were long-time rivals.
Lungu narrowly defeated Hichilema in the 2016 presidential race, after which Hichilema was imprisoned on treason charges. Their rivalry endured until Hichilema won the presidency in 2021.
Lungu’s family claims the state initially obstructed his travel to South Africa for medical treatment—an allegation the government denies. The same mistrust now clouds his final journey home.
The Zambian government expressed regret over the impasse, thanking South African President Cyril Ramaphosa for preparing military honours that were ultimately not utilized.
“We thank President Cyril Ramaphosa, the Government, and the people of South Africa for their exceptional cooperation and compassion,” he said.
“We did everything possible to honour the late president with dignity,” Hichilema said, adding that the government remains open to further dialogue with Lungu’s family.
The former president died in South Africa at age 68. No new date has been set for his burial.
