Zambia: Lungu Family Declines State Funeral for Former President Edgar Lungu
The family of former Zambian President Edgar Lungu has declined a state funeral, citing his wish for a private ceremony without government involvement.
This decision comes amid strained relations between Lungu’s family and President Hakainde Hichilema, who had reiterated his commitment to honoring Lungu with a state funeral.
Meanwhile, Zambia’s President Hakainde Hichilema has reiterated his commitment to honoring former President Edgar Lungu with a state funeral, despite the late leader’s family insisting on a private ceremony without government involvement.
The dispute arises from strained relations between Hichilema and Lungu, stemming from their intense electoral rivalry and alleged political targeting during their tenures.
Hichilema believes Lungu deserves full state honors due to his eminence as a former head of state.
While Lungu’s family, however, has made it clear that the former president did not want Hichilema anywhere near his body, citing reasons that have become common knowledge.
The family has already put in place logistics for a private funeral, contradicting the government’s plans for a state funeral.
Hichilema has urged Zambians to set aside differences and show support to Lungu’s family, emphasizing compassion and solidarity during this period, urged Zambian to observe a one-week national mourning period for Lungu, who passed away on June 5, 2025, at 68
to Lungu’s family has made arrangements for a private funeral, conveying his remains without government participation.
The Law Association of Zambia has called for the family to allow Hichilema to superintend over the funeral, citing the President’s constitutional role.
However, the family remains resolute in honoring Lungu’s wishes.
– *Private Funeral:* The family has already put in place logistics for a private funeral, contradicting the government’s plans for a state funeral.
– *Government’s Stance:* Hichilema has urged Zambians to set aside differences and show support to Lungu’s family, emphasizing compassion and solidarity during this period.
– *National Mourning:* Zambia is observing a one-week national mourning period for Lungu, who passed away on June 5, 2025, at 68 ².
The Law Association of Zambia has weighed in on the matter, urging Lungu’s family to allow Hichilema to superintend over the funeral, citing the President’s executive authority and constitutional role in bestowing honors on behalf of citizens ³.
