Edgar Lungu Funeral: Family, Govt Clash Over Repatriation & Honours
Colaboradores
The death of former Zambian President Edgar Lungu has sparked a dispute between his family, the government, and his political party, the Patriotic Front (PF), over funeral arrangements. Lungu, who led Zambia from 2015 to 2021, passed away at the age of 68 while receiving medical treatment in Pretoria, South Africa.
Repatriation Dispute
A key point of contention is the repatriation of Lungu's remains. Initially, the Zambian government announced it would handle the repatriation. However, Lungu's family stated they would independently repatriate the body, citing alleged mistreatment of Lungu by the current government under President Hakainde Hichilema after the 2021 elections. The PF supports the family's decision to limit government involvement.
Funeral Arrangements & Honours
The government had planned a state funeral and designated a lodge in Lusaka as the official mourning venue. The PF rejected this, directing mourners to their headquarters instead. While the family isn't opposed to a state funeral, they insist on choosing who presides over it.
Even the official book of condolence has become a source of conflict, with the government providing one at the lodge and the PF urging people to sign theirs at their headquarters.
Miles Sampa, a member of the Patriotic Front, has accused the Zambian government of unfairly treating the former president, alleging that Lungu was prevented from carrying out everyday activities and that his benefits were withdrawn after he indicated his intention to return to active politics following his 2021 election loss.
The family aims to repatriate Lungu's remains from South Africa on Wednesday, with funeral arrangement instructions also originating from the family. Zambia has declared a period of national mourning for the ex-president.