The body of former Zambian President Edgar Lungu is set to arrive in Zambia on Wednesday ahead of his state funeral scheduled for 22 June.
Secretary to the Cabinet, Patrick Kangwa confirmed late Tuesday that Lungu’s remains will be repatriated from South Africa where he passed away earlier this month and will arrive at Kenneth Kaunda International Airport at 2pm (1200 GMT).
A military honours ceremony will be conducted by the Zambia Defence Force in recognition of his service as the country’s Sixth President.
Following the ceremony, Lungu’s body will be transported to his private residence in Lusaka’s New Kasama where it will lie in state.
Public viewing will take place at the Mulungushi International Conference Centre from Thursday to Saturday between 9am and 4pm, allowing Zambians to pay their last respects.
The official state funeral will be held on Sunday at Belvedere Lodge in the capital, the designated venue for national mourning.
South Africa’s Ministry of International Relations and Cooperation confirmed that a repatriation ceremony will take place at Lanseria Airport in Johannesburg before Lungu’s remains are flown to Zambia.
Lungu, who served as Zambia’s President from 2015 to 2021, was a key figure in the country’s political landscape.
His passing marks the end of an era, and his funeral is expected to draw regional and international dignitaries.
JN/APA