Zambian President Hakainde Hichilema has declared a seven-day period of national mourning to honour former president Edgar Lungu who passed away in South Africa on June 5.
The mourning period, which began on Sunday, will run until June 14, with flags flown at half-mast and entertainment activities suspended as a mark of respect.
Secretary to the Cabinet Patrick Kangwa confirmed that Lungu will receive a state funeral, in recognition of his service as Zambia’s sixth president.
He said the government was coordinating funeral arrangements with the Lungu family and relevant stakeholders.
Lungu’s body is expected to arrive in Zambia on June 11, with the official funeral gathering set to take place at Belvedere Lodge in Lusaka.
Lungu, who led Zambia from 2015 to 2021, was known for his infrastructure development policies and economic reforms.
His return to active politics in 2023 led to tensions with the current administration, resulting in the withdrawal of his retirement benefits.
President Hichilema urged Zambians to observe the mourning period with dignity and unity, noting the need to honour Lungu’s contributions while reflecting on the nation’s political journey.
JN/APA