The family of former Zambian President Edgar Lungu has halted the repatriation of his body from South Africa, accusing the government of breaching key agreements related to his burial ceremony.
The return of his remains had been planned for this past Wednesday via a chartered flight, following prolonged negotiations and uncertainty between the family and the government.
However, the family suspended the plan, stating it is now “very difficult to trust that the government will uphold the agreements made.”
On Wednesday, family spokesperson Makebi Zulu said, “Unfortunately, the remains of President Edgar Chagwa Lungu will not return today.”
Zulu stated that the government had issued a funeral program draft without prior consultation with the family, according to BBC reports.
It had been planned that President Hakainde Hichilema would receive the body upon arrival at Lusaka International Airport.
The body of the late president was to be transported to his residence in Lusaka, with a farewell scheduled for June 22, followed by burial the next day.
Speaking in South Africa on Wednesday, Zulu accused the government of deviating from the agreed plans.
Surrounded by close family members, Zulu said, “We hope that one day, his remains will be brought back home and given a dignified burial.”
The government has yet to issue an official statement.
This is the second time the family has delayed the repatriation due to increasing tensions over who should oversee the funeral proceedings.
The opposition party PF, which Lungu led until his death, has backed the family’s stance and accused the government of trying to politicize the mourning period.
Lungu, who was Zambia’s president from 2015 to 2021, died earlier this month in South Africa, where he was receiving treatment for an undisclosed illness. The country is currently observing a 16-day mourning period.
