from ARNOLD MULENGA in Lusaka, Zambia
Zambia Bureau
LUSAKA, (CAJ News) – THURSDAY nine months since the death of former Zambian president Edgar Lungu in South Africa, with no end in sight to the deadlock that has delayed his burial.
Opposition leaders and critics of the administration of current President Hakainde Hichilema have urged the government to find ways to resolve the impasse with the family of the late leader.
The disagreement centres on where Lungu should be laid to rest. The government maintains that he should be buried at the national burial site in Lusaka alongside other former heads of state.
However, the family insists on controlling the funeral arrangements and has demanded that Hichilema should not attend the burial.
As a result of the standoff, the family had at one point considered burying Lungu in South Africa, where he died from an illness at the age of 68.
Brian Mundubile, president of the Tonse Alliance coalition, said Lungu served Zambia with dedication and humility and deserved a dignified farewell.
“Sadly, it is deeply concerning that up to this day, the nation has not been able to lay him to rest,” he said.
“Taking the Lungu family to court over matters surrounding his burial is unfortunate and does not reflect the spirit of unity, compassion and respect that such a moment demands.”
The Zambian government has successfully appealed to South African courts for Lungu’s remains to be repatriated. The Lungu family has also appealed against that ruling.
Mundubile called for dialogue to resolve the dispute.
“Dialogue, empathy and national unity should prevail over confrontation,” he said.
“As we remember him today, I once again call for calm, respect and a resolution that will allow the late president to finally be laid to rest with the honour befitting a former head of state.”
Thandiwe Ketiš Ngoma, a government critic, blamed the impasse on Hichilema.
She claimed the nation was aware that Lungu had left clear instructions regarding his funeral, including a request that Hichilema should not preside over the proceedings.
“These instructions were not made lightly. They were the final wishes of a former head of state,” Ngoma said.
“Instead of respecting those wishes and allowing the family to mourn in peace and dignity, Hichilema has chosen confrontation. Instead of compassion, the nation has witnessed litigation. Instead of humility in the face of death, we have seen the heavy hand of the state.”
Clayson Hamasaka, State House Chief Communications Specialist, has distanced Hichilema from the deadlock.
Hichilema and Lungu were fierce political rivals. Hichilema, then the opposition leader, defeated Lungu in the 2021 presidential election.
– CAJ News