MALAWI: Body of Former Zambian President Lungu Still in South Africa Five Months After Death

By Smile Hamilton Malawi

The body of former Zambian President Edgar Lungu remains in South Africa five months after his death, despite a court order authorizing its repatriation for a state funeral in Zambia.

In August, the Pretoria High Court ruled that the Zambian government had the right to repatriate Lungu’s remains and ordered his family to hand the body over to government officials. The ruling was seen as a step toward resolving the dispute that erupted soon after his death in June.

However, despite the court’s directive, the repatriation process has stalled due to a continued standoff between Lungu’s family and President Hakainde Hichilema’s administration. The two parties disagree over key arrangements, including the nature of the state funeral, the burial site, and the interpretation of Lungu’s reported final wishes.

Sources close to the negotiations say the late president’s family insists that his burial be carried out strictly according to his personal instructions. They argue that respecting his last wishes is a matter of dignity and honor.

“The family believes President Lungu must be buried the way he wanted. This is not negotiable,” said a source familiar with the matter.

On the other hand, the Zambian government maintains that a former head of state must be given an official state-led ceremony. Officials argue that national protocol must be followed to ensure the funeral reflects Lungu’s position as the country’s sixth president.

The prolonged delay has triggered concern among political observers and supporters, who say the situation risks creating unnecessary tension in the country. Some have urged both sides to reach a compromise for the sake of national unity and closure.

Meanwhile, Lungu’s body remains in a South African facility, where it has been preserved since June. Questions are now being raised about the cost and the diplomatic implications of keeping the body abroad for such an extended period.

Analysts warn that if the impasse continues, it may further strain relations between the ruling government and Lungu’s supporters, many of whom have called for transparency and urgency in resolving the matter.

More updates are expected as talks between the two sides continue, but for now, Zambia remains without a final resting place for its former leader.