Lungu Family, Government Agree on State Funeral for Former President

Staff Reporter

Zimbabwean Vice President Constantino Chiwenga made a state visit to Zambia following the death of former President Edgar Lungu, who passed away on June 5, 2025, at the age of 68 while receiving medical treatment in South Africa. During his meeting with Zambian President Hakainde Hichilema, Chiwenga conveyed condolences from Zimbabwean President Emmerson Mnangagwa and the people of Zimbabwe.

However, the funeral arrangements have been marred by tension between the Lungu family and the government. The family has refused to allow President Hichilema to attend the funeral or get close to Lungu’s body, citing instructions from the late former president. In response, President Hichilema has chosen not to exercise his presidential powers but instead engage in dialogue with the family, prioritizing respect and dignity for the deceased.

The standoff between the government, the Patriotic Front (PF), and Lungu’s family has led to confusion over the funeral arrangements. The government announced a state funeral and designated a lodge in Lusaka as the official venue for mourning, but the PF has directed mourners to its headquarters instead. Additionally, there are conflicting books of condolence, with the government setting up one at the lodge and the PF urging people to sign theirs at their headquarters.

The repatriation of Lungu’s body from South Africa has also been a point of contention, with the government initially wanting to handle the process but the family and PF intervening to organize the safe passage themselves. According to Makebi Zulu, the family’s lawyer, the state was acting as if it would take over the entire process, leaving the family with no say. Plans for returning Lungu’s remains are still unclear, but the family is now engaging with the government on this issue.

Despite these challenges, President Hichilema has expressed his commitment to a peaceful and inclusive approach, emphasizing dialogue and mutual respect in managing the funeral arrangements. He has also apologized for the delay in finalizing the burial program, citing the need for consensus among all parties involved. The Zambian government declared a seven-day national mourning period, and dignitaries from across the region and globe have paid tribute to the late leader.

*Late Zambia’s 6th President, Edgar Lungu*

According to the agreement, Lungu’s body will be flown to Lusaka, the Zambian capital, on Wednesday, June 18, 2025, on a private charter plane. Upon arrival at the airport, the body will be received by the family, followed by full military honors. It will then be transported to Lungu’s residence in Lusaka, where it will lie in state.

For three days, starting on Thursday, June 19, 2025, the body will be taken to the Mulungushi International Conference Center in Lusaka, where the public can pay their respects between 9:00 AM and 4:00 PM daily. A state funeral will be held on Sunday, June 22, 2025, presided over by President Hakainde Hichilema. Official mourning will end on Monday, June 23, 2025, and Lungu will be buried on the same day. However, the exact burial site has not been confirmed, with options being either the official presidential burial grounds or his residence.

At a joint press briefing in South Africa, Lungu family spokesperson Makebi Zulu and Secretary to Zambia’s Cabinet Patrick Kangwa announced the agreement, expressing gratitude for the opportunity to honor the former president’s wishes. Zulu apologized for any inconvenience caused by the prolonged negotiations, stating that the family was committed to upholding the agreement. Kangwa, on behalf of the government, appealed for unity and thanked Zambians for their patience during this difficult time.

Lungu’s relationship with the current government has been complex, particularly after he lost the 2021 presidential election to Hichilema by a significant margin. Despite stepping back from politics initially, Lungu later returned to the fray, only to be barred from running again by the Constitutional Court due to term limits. Throughout his post-presidency, Lungu remained influential in Zambian politics, often criticizing his successor’s policies and actions.

In recent times, Lungu had complained about alleged police harassment and restrictions on his movement, claims that the government has consistently denied the same nature of harassments ruling parties exert to political opponents.