US EditionFeud Over Funeral: Zambia's Political Rivalries Resurface
ZAMBIA, JUN 18 – The burial dispute reflects deep political rivalry and mistrust, with the family citing Lungu's wish to exclude President Hichilema and opting for a private ceremony in South Africa, officials said.
- The family of former Zambian President Edgar Lungu halted plans to repatriate his remains from South Africa on June 18, 2025, amid funeral disputes.
- This decision follows the family's mistrust over the government's failure to honor agreed funeral arrangements during tense talks after Lungu's death earlier in June.
- The former Zambian leader, who was in office from 2015 until his defeat by political opponent Hakainde Hichilema in 2021, had initially requested that Hichilema be excluded from attending his funeral ceremonies.
- Family spokesperson Makebi Zulu announced that due to concerns about the government’s commitment to the agreement, the family has decided that the remains will not be returned today.
- The delay underscores the ongoing political tensions as Zambia observes a 16-day national mourning period while awaiting a possible compromise for the June 22 state funeral.
33 Articles
33 Articles
The Hamilton Spectator
My Mother LodeZambia’s ex-President Lungu will be buried in South Africa due to family’s feud with Zambia
LUSAKA, Zambia (AP) — Former Zambian President Edgar Lungu will be buried in South Africa instead of his homeland because of a disagreement between his family and Zambia's government over his funeral.
Al Arabiya
LatestlyFuneral Standoff Halts Repatriation of Former Zambian President's Body
Feud Over Funeral: Zambia's Political Rivalries Resurface
Feud Over Funeral: Zambia's Political Rivalries Resurface The burial arrangements for former Zambian President Edgar Lungu have been beset by political conflict. For the second time, his family postponed his repatriation amid tensions with the current leadership.According to the family’s lawyer, they seek to exclude President Hakainde Hichilema from attending the funeral due to Lungu’s wishes. This decision underscores the deep-seated animosity …
The Toronto Star
The RecordFuneral standoff halts repatriation of former Zambian president’s body
LUSAKA, Zambia (AP) — The family of former Zambian President Edgar Lungu delayed the repatriation of his body from South Africa for a second time Wednesday in a feud with the country's current leader over the details of the funeral.
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