Full Breakdown
Dispute Over Edgar Lungu's Remains Intensifies in Zambia
4/24/2026, 3:06:26 AM
Background of the Controversy
The ongoing dispute over the remains of former Zambian President Edgar Lungu has escalated, nearly a year after his death on June 5, 2022, in South Africa. Lungu, who served as president from 2015 until his defeat in the 2021 elections, died at the age of 68 from an undisclosed illness. His passing has sparked a contentious battle between his family and the current Zambian President Hakainde Hichilema, who was Lungu's political rival.
Government's Claim to Custody
Recently, the Zambian government announced it has taken custody of Lungu's body, asserting that he should be honored with a state funeral and buried in Lusaka's presidential burial ground. This decision follows a South African court ruling that permitted the repatriation of Lungu's remains to Zambia. The body was transferred from a funeral home in Pretoria to a facility managed by the South African government.
Family's Opposition and Legal Actions
Lungu's family, however, contests this move, claiming that a separate court ruling mandates the body be returned to the original funeral home. Family spokesman Makebi Zulu has stated that the appeals process regarding the government's custody of the body is still active, contradicting the government's assertion that the family could not proceed with their case. In response, the family has filed an urgent application in a South African high court to reclaim the body.
Political Tensions and Personal Wishes
The dispute is further complicated by the fraught relationship between Lungu and Hichilema. Lungu's family has indicated that one of his last wishes was for Hichilema not to be involved in his funeral arrangements. This animosity dates back to their political rivalry, which included Lungu's government arresting Hichilema in 2017 on treason charges, a case that was later dropped amid international outcry.
Conflicting Court Orders
The situation is marked by conflicting court orders regarding the custody of Lungu's remains. While the Zambian government claims it has legal authority to hold the body, a subsequent order has called for its return to the funeral home. The timeline for these developments remains unclear, with a date of May 21 set for the body to be ultimately handed over to the Zambian government.
Official Statements & Responses
Zambia's Attorney General Mulilo Kabesha stated that the government is acting in the national interest, emphasizing the need to honor Lungu as a former head of state. Conversely, Lungu's family maintains that their legal rights and the former president's wishes should be respected.
Verbatim Quotes
- “Other WRAL Top Stories In a statement Wednesday, Zambia's attorney general said the government had custody of Lungu's remains after a South African court ordered the body be released to them.” — Zambia's Attorney General Mulilo Kabesha
- “Lungu's family claims that one of his last wishes was that Hichilema should not go anywhere near his body and not preside over his funeral.” — Lungu family spokesman Makebi Zulu
What's Next
As the legal battle continues, the future of Edgar Lungu's remains remains uncertain. The Zambian government is poised to proceed with plans for a state funeral, while Lungu's family seeks to uphold his wishes and reclaim his body. The outcome of the ongoing court proceedings will likely shape the final arrangements for the former president's burial.
