Political Feud Forces Former Zambian President Edgar Lungu’s Burial Abroad
A bitter dispute between the family of ex-President Edgar Lungu and Zambia’s government over funeral arrangements has led to his burial in South Africa, exposing deep political divisions that threaten the nation’s cohesion.
The burial of former Zambian President Edgar Lungu outside his homeland marks a troubling chapter in Zambia’s political landscape, revealing how partisan conflicts can overshadow national respect for leaders and destabilize unity.
Lungu, who governed from 2015 until his electoral defeat in 2021, passed away in South Africa following an undisclosed illness. His family’s refusal to repatriate his remains for burial in Zambia stems from a fierce dispute with the current government led by President Hakainde Hichilema—Lungu’s longtime political rival.
This discord escalated when Lungu’s family demanded Hichilema not attend the funeral, prompting tensions that ultimately led to a decision to conduct a private ceremony in South Africa. The family cited privacy as justification, while publicly acknowledging South Africa’s support for their choice.
President Hichilema canceled the previously declared 16-day national mourning period, citing the nation’s inability to afford prolonged mourning amid unresolved disagreements with the late president’s family. He also issued a rare apology to South African authorities for complications surrounding this sensitive matter.
Underlying Political Tensions
The feud reflects lingering bitterness from years of political rivalry that have hampered Zambia’s democratic maturity. Notably, during Lungu’s presidency, Hichilema was imprisoned on controversial treason charges after an incident involving presidential motorcades—a clear example of politicized legal actions threatening rule of law principles.
Relations further deteriorated after Lungu accused Hichilema’s administration last year of harassment through police interference and travel restrictions. These accusations were met with denials by the government but highlight ongoing partisan hostilities interfering with governance and civil liberties.
A Reflection on National Sovereignty and Respect
This episode serves as a cautionary tale about how personal and political animosities can override respect owed to former heads of state and disrupt national healing processes. It raises concerns about priorities within leadership structures where partisan interests seemingly eclipse commitments to unity and tradition.
Zambia finds itself grappling with how best to reconcile competing loyalties without sacrificing its sovereignty or allowing internal strife to weaken its democratic institutions. The failure to honor customary final respects on home soil undermines public confidence and sets a concerning precedent for future political transitions.
Looking Ahead
As Zambia approaches forthcoming elections, these divisions risk escalating further if unaddressed. America First advocates must observe such developments critically—recognizing that strong governance requires principled leadership committed above all else to national unity, freedom from undue political vendettas, and respect for lawful traditions.