Country Resolves BITTER Funeral Standoff!

After 11 days of uncertainty, Zambia has brokered an agreement between the government and the family of former President Edgar Lungu, resolving a dispute that delayed his repatriation from South Africa and paving the way for a state funeral.

At a Glance

• Former President Edgar Lungu died in South Africa on June 5 at age 68
• Disagreement arose when the family requested President Hakainde Hichilema not attend the funeral, citing political rivalry
• The government appealed for national unity during the mourning period
• President Hichilema will now preside over Lungu’s state funeral, signaling reconciliation
• Repatriation is set for June 18, with a state funeral on June 22 and burial on June 23 in Lusaka

Political Tensions Spark Funeral Hold-Up

The longstanding animosity between Lungu and Hichilema stems from Zambia’s 2016 elections, when Lungu defeated Hichilema, who was later jailed on politically charged accusations. Friction continued following the 2021 election, deepened by a 2023 hospital incident that blocked Lungu’s travel for medical treatment. As reported by Africanews, Lungu’s family initially demanded Hichilema not attend the funeral, fearing political posturing during a sensitive period.

Deal Brings Closure—With Conditions

Behind-the-scenes negotiations led to a compromise: President Hichilema will now preside over the state funeral. Lungu’s body is scheduled to arrive in Lusaka on June 18, followed by public viewing. A state funeral will be held on June 22, with burial at Embassy Park—the national resting place for presidents—on June 23, according to AP News.

Watch a report: Zambia Sets Funeral Date for Former President.

A Nation United in Mourning

The resolution has been welcomed as a gesture of national unity. Both the government and the Lungu family expressed gratitude for the public’s patience and urged citizens to honor the late president’s legacy peacefully. With Zambia entering an official period of mourning, many hope this compromise marks a step toward healing old political wounds, as noted by Africanews.

The coming days will reveal whether this rare moment of cooperation can foster lasting reconciliation in Zambia’s often polarized political landscape.