Lusaka, Zambia – Eight months after the death of former Zambian president Edgar Lungu, the question of where he will be buried remains unresolved, despite clear court rulings and mounting public interest.
Lungu, who served as Zambia’s leader from 2015 to 2021, died of an undisclosed illness in a South African hospital on June 5, 2025, at the age of 68.
Court Rulings and Legal Mandates
In August 2025, the Pretoria High Court ruled that Lungu’s body must be returned to Zambia for a state funeral, rejecting his family’s wish to bury him in South Africa. The court later denied the family leave to appeal, stating there was “no reasonable prospect of success.”
South African judges emphasized that Zambian law applies, since Lungu was only in the country temporarily for medical treatment.
Political Feud Complicates Funeral Plans
The Zambian government insists on a state funeral at home, but Lungu’s family has resisted, citing his bitter political feud with current President Hakainde Hichilema.
Family lawyers claim Lungu left specific instructions that Hichilema should not attend his funeral. However, the government maintains that as head of state, Hichilema is expected to preside over the ceremony.
Twice, plans for a state funeral in Zambia have been canceled due to disagreements over the details.
Entitlement vs. Family Preference
As a former head of state, Lungu is legally entitled to a national funeral in Zambia. Courts have ruled that the national interest outweighs family preference, clearing the way for his repatriation and burial.
Yet, no official repatriation has taken place. Reports suggest the family has approached South Africa’s Supreme Court of Appeal, though their silence has fueled speculation and uncertainty.
Public Rumours and National Tension
Poor communication, prolonged delays, and the family’s initial wish to bury Lungu in South Africa have all contributed to widespread rumours.
For many Zambians, the unresolved burial has become symbolic of deeper political divisions.
Conclusion
The fate of Edgar Lungu’s final resting place remains undecided. Whether his burial will serve as a moment of national unity or become another flashpoint in Zambia’s tense political landscape is a question that continues to loom large.
