Edgar Lungu, Zambia’s former president to be buried in South Africa, not Zambia

The family of former Zambian President Edgar Lungu has announced that he will be buried in South Africa. This will be the first time a former head of state from another country is buried on South African territory.

President Lungu, who served as Zambia’s head of state from 2015 to 2021, passed away in a South African hospital on June 5, 2025, at the age of 68. The Zambian government had scheduled a state funeral, including repatriation of the body and military honors, with the burial planned for June 23.

However, the planned repatriation did not proceed as scheduled. On June 19, Lungu’s family declined to release the body to the South African military for transport, citing disagreement with the funeral arrangements. Specifically, the family objected to the plan for President Hakainde Hichilema to receive the body upon arrival in Zambia.

Speaking on behalf of the family, spokesperson Makebi Zulu stated that the funeral programme had not been agreed upon. He also referred to the late president’s reported preference not to have President Hichilema involved in the ceremony.

Government Unaware

In a national address on Thursday, President Hichilema said the Zambian government was not informed in advance that the body would not be handed over and expressed regret over the development. He announced that the extended period of national mourning, which had been in place since June 6, would be concluded as of June 19.

“Given these circumstances, I wish to inform the nation that as of the end of today… this particular national mourning period is over,” he said.

The government had initially declared a seven-day mourning period, later extended by nine days to allow for official ceremonies and the state funeral. During this period, public entertainment was suspended, radio stations played solemn music, and national flags were flown at half-mast.

The family’s decision also follows ongoing legal proceedings involving several of Lungu’s close relatives. His daughter, Tasila Lungu, was arrested earlier this year on money laundering charges. In 2024, she and other family members were charged in connection with fraud-related cases. Lungu’s son, Dalitso, also faces corruption charges.

At this stage, there is no indication of when, or if, the late president’s remains will be returned to Zambia. The family has stated that it remains open to that possibility in the future.

The South African government has not yet issued a statement regarding the burial arrangements.

MMI