The return of the late former Zambian President Edgar Chagwa Lungu’s remains has been unexpectedly delayed following a sharp fallout between the government and his family over the state funeral arrangements. What was meant to be a solemn moment of national mourning has now taken a dramatic turn, with both parties entangled in a public dispute.
Family spokesperson Makebi Zulu issued a strongly worded statement from South Africa, accusing government officials of violating previously agreed-upon funeral protocols. According to Zulu, several decisions regarding the funeral programme were made unilaterally, disregarding the family’s input and undermining trust.
Zulu cited the government’s release of a funeral itinerary that included transporting Lungu’s body from Kenneth Kaunda International Airport directly to a church service and then to the Mulungushi International Conference Centre — a plan he says had not been approved by the family. Adding to their concerns, the Road Development Agency’s announcement on June 16 about ongoing roadworks along the Chifwema route — which had initially been selected for the funeral procession — came as a shock and was reportedly made without any family consultation.
The situation further deteriorated following a statement issued by the Secretary to the Cabinet on June 17, which appeared to restrict public involvement in welcoming the late president’s remains. Zulu expressed frustration, saying the family had been denied the opportunity to invite individuals they believed should be present for such a significant occasion.
Faced with what they describe as repeated breaches of agreement, the Lungu family has decided to postpone the return of the former president’s body. “The family find it very difficult to believe that government would stick to their end of the agreement,” Zulu said. “And have resolved, sadly so, that the mortal remains of President Edgar Lungu would not return home today.”
The unexpected development has cast a somber cloud over what was anticipated to be a dignified national event honouring Zambia’s sixth President. While government officials have yet to issue an official response, sources suggest that negotiations to resolve the standoff are currently underway behind closed doors.
The visible breakdown in coordination between the state and the Lungu family is seen by many as a reflection of deeper political tensions. Public disputes of this nature, especially surrounding a national figure’s funeral, are rare and have caught the attention of observers both in Zambia and abroad.
Despite the conflict, the family remains hopeful that the impasse can be resolved. “We still believe that in due time, the remains of President Edgar Lungu will return home and be laid to rest in a manner that respects both family wishes and national dignity,” Zulu said.
As Zambia continues to mourn, the nation watches closely, hoping that a shared respect for the legacy of Edgar Lungu will guide both the government and his family toward a peaceful and respectful resolution.