The family of late former Zambian President Edgar Lungu has announced that his remains will no longer be repatriated to Zambia as previously planned. This decision was made due to concerns that the government might not fully honor the agreed terms related to the former president’s funeral arrangements.
Makebi Zulu, speaking as a representative of the Lungu family during a media briefing on Wednesday, explained that while there had been discussions and agreements reached with the government regarding the burial of the sixth republican president, doubts about the government’s commitment to these arrangements have led the family to reconsider.
“As the public may be aware, we had engaged government on the arrangements relating to the burial of the late sixth republican president of the Republic of Zambia, President Edgar Chagwa Lungu. Following a joint briefing between family and government, we came to an agreed position that the mortal remains of President Edgar Chagwa Lungu…” Zulu began, leaving the statement open to imply a withdrawal from the initial repatriation plan.
Despite the setback, Zulu expressed hope that the remains would eventually be brought back to Zambia and laid to rest in accordance with the wishes of the family and the nation.
This development marks a significant moment in the posthumous proceedings for the former president and highlights ongoing negotiations between the family and government officials. The situation remains under close observation by the public, as many await further updates on the final resting place and funeral arrangements for President Edgar Lungu.