Zambian President Hakainde Hichilema has officially ended the national mourning period for the late former president Edgar Lungu, citing a prolonged impasse with the Lungu family over the repatriation of his remains from South Africa.
In a televised address on Thursday night, Hichilema said the government had exhausted all avenues to facilitate a state funeral but the family’s failure to deliver the body as agreed had left the nation in limbo.
“Our country cannot afford a state of indefinite mourning. As of the end of today, the 19th of June 2025, this particular national mourning period is officially over,” Hichilema said.
The decision followed a second failed attempt to repatriate Lungu’s body, which was scheduled to arrive in Lusaka on Wednesday.
The government had reached a consensus with the family on 15 June, paving the way for a state funeral and burial.
However, the family reversed course, citing unresolved concerns over the funeral programme and President Hichilema’s involvement.
The dispute has its roots in a long-standing rivalry between Lungu and Hichilema, dating back to their contentious political battles.
Lungu, who died in South Africa on 5 June while receiving medical treatment, had reportedly expressed a wish that Hichilema does not attend his funeral.
The family has since insisted on controlling the funeral arrangements, delaying the repatriation twice.
Hichilema expressed regret over the breakdown in cooperation and extended an apology to South African President Cyril Ramaphosa and the South African Defence Force, which had prepared military honours for the late leader.
“Mr. Lungu was not only an ordinary citizen, but our Sixth Republican President. While we recognise that he belongs to a family, he also belongs to the nation of Zambia,” he said.
The president urged citizens to remain calm and law-abiding, reaffirming the government’s openness to further engagement with the Lungu family.
It remains unclear when or if the former president’s remains will be returned for burial in Zambia.
JN/APA