Why Zambia’s former president Edgar Lungu is being buried in South Africa
The mortal remains of Zambia’s former President Edgar Lungu are being buried in South Africa following a dispute between his family and the Zambian government over his funeral arrangements.
Lungu died earlier this month in a South African hospital after a long illness that has not been publicly disclosed.
His family has decided to hold a private funeral and burial in South Africa, saying it was in line with their wishes.
Family lawyer Makebi Zulu thanked the South African government for supporting the decision and for allowing a peaceful and respectful ceremony.
Efforts to bring Lungu’s body back to Zambia were delayed after the family objected to the presence of current Zambian President Hakainde Hichilema at the funeral.
The two leaders had a long and bitter political rivalry. On June 19, Hichilema cancelled the 16-day national mourning period he had earlier declared, saying Zambia could not remain in mourning indefinitely.
He also apologised to the South African government for any inconvenience caused.
Hichilema said his administration had tried to reach an agreement with Lungu’s family but had to accept their final decision.
Lungu, who was 68, served as Zambia’s sixth president from 2015 to 2021 before losing the election to Hichilema.
Even after leaving office, he remained a powerful voice in Zambian politics, especially ahead of the 2026 elections.
The two men had clashed repeatedly over the years.
In 2017, Hichilema was jailed for treason under Lungu’s administration, and last year, Lungu accused the government of harassment and preventing him from leaving the country for medical care, an allegation officials denied.
This story is written and edited by the Global South World team, you can contact us here.
