from ARNOLD MULENGA in Lusaka, Zambia
Zambia Bureau
LUSAKA, (CAJ News) – THE official ending of the mourning period for the former Zambia president, Edgar Lungu, and an apology to South Africa, mark the latest twist in the impasse over the repatriation, funeral and burial of the deceased.
President Hakainde Hichilema announced the developments late on Thursday after another day of wrangling between his government and the Lungu family, exactly two weeks after his death in South Africa.
There was an initial deadlock between the feuding parties but there was a glimmer of hope earlier this week when they jointly stated they had reached a compromise that would see Lungu repatriated on Wednesday and buried on Sunday.
On the day of the scheduled repatriation, the Lungu family argued the government had reneged on the deal, hence they halted the repatriation.
Hichilema addressed the nation a day after the deadlock emerged.
“We have done everything possible to engage the family of our departed sixth Republican president, and we have reached a point where a clear decision has to be made,” Hichilema said.
“Given these circumstances, I therefore wish to inform the nation that as of the end of today the 19th of June 2025, this particular national mourning period is officially over.”
Hichilema said this would allow the Southern African country to begin to return to some normalcy.
It remains unclear when the remains of the ex-president would be repatriated and how the funeral and burial would be conducted.
“Our doors, as government, remain open for further engagement, as appropriate,” Hichilema clung to hope.
Earlier this week, there was relief in Zambia after a joint press briefing in South Africa by the family and government.
At Zambia’s request, the South African government prepared extensively, with military honours, mounted by the South African Defence Force.
However, the former president’s body was not availed by the family for repatriation.
“For this unfortunate situation, we extend our sincere apologies to President (Cyril) Ramaphosa, the government, and the people of South Africa,” Hichilema apologised.
The deadlock risks driving the nation into further turbulence.
Lungu’s Patriotic Front (PF) quoted acting party president, Given Lubinda, as advising mourners at the Party Secretariat in the capital Lusaka to disperse as “information reached the leadership that they will be forcibly and violently be removed by the police.”
Lungu died aged 68 from an undisclosed illness.
His family and others claim he initially declined travel for treatment and speculate he would have recovered if received medical care earlier.
Police have beefed up security in anticipation of protests.
– CAJ News