Former Zambian President Edgar Lungu will be buried in South Africa, following a disagreement between his family and the Zambian government over funeral arrangements.
Lungu died on June 5 in a Pretoria hospital. On Wednesday, his family halted the repatriation of his body, objecting to the Zambian government’s plan to host a state funeral and have President Hakainde Hichilema officially receive the body—actions the family said were against Lungu’s wishes.
In response, President Hichilema ended the national mourning period four days early, curtailing what was initially a 16-day observance that was scheduled to conclude on June 23.
Spokesperson Makebi Zulu confirmed that Lungu’s funeral and burial will now take place in South Africa in a private ceremony.
“The Lungu family continues to seek peace and unity among fellow Zambians during this time,” Zulu said, thanking the South African government for respecting the family’s wishes and remaining neutral.
Though the cause of death was not disclosed, Lungu, 68, had been receiving specialized treatment at a medical facility in Pretoria, according to his party, the Patriotic Front.
Lungu led Zambia from 2015 until his 2021 electoral defeat to Hichilema of the United Party for National Development.
Since leaving office, his family has faced multiple corruption charges, which they claim are politically motivated. His daughter, Tasila Lungu, was arrested in February on money laundering charges. In 2024, she was detained alongside her mother and sister for alleged fraud. His son, Dalitso Lungu, is also facing corruption-related charges.
