President Hichilema to preside over state funeral despite late leader’s request to exclude him
LUSAKA, ZAMBIA – After nearly two weeks of national uncertainty and private negotiations, Zambia has announced final funeral arrangements for former President Edgar Chagwa Lungu, who passed away at age 68 in South Africa where he was undergoing treatment for an undisclosed illness.
Lungu’s death on June 6 triggered both mourning and political debate, particularly over his alleged wishes that current President Hakainde Hichilema, his longtime political rival, not be involved in the state funeral. However, in a surprise move signaling unity, Hichilema has agreed to preside over the ceremony.
“This moment calls for national reflection and respect,” a senior government source told AfricaLiveNews under condition of anonymity. “Despite past differences, the state will honor President Lungu’s legacy with full national dignity.”
State Funeral Confirmed for Sunday
According to the finalized plans, Lungu’s body will arrive in Lusaka on Wednesday, June 19, aboard a military aircraft from Johannesburg. Upon arrival, it will be escorted under military guard to the capital where three days of public viewing will be held, including interfaith prayer services, tributes from dignitaries, and national honors.
The state funeral is set for Sunday, June 23, with an official program to be led by President Hichilema. The event is expected to be attended by African heads of state, former leaders, diplomats, clergy, and thousands of Zambians.
Lungu will be buried the following day, Monday, June 24, although there remains some uncertainty about the final burial site. Discussions are ongoing about whether to inter him at the Presidential Burial Grounds in Lusaka, reserved for former heads of state, or to respect his family’s wish for a private burial at his residence.
A Divisive But Influential Leader
Lungu, a lawyer by training and former justice and defense minister, rose to power in 2015 after the death of then-President Michael Sata. He was elected to a full term in 2016 and served until 2021, when he was defeated by Hakainde Hichilema in a historic and peaceful transition of power.
Despite leaving office, Lungu remained an active voice in opposition politics, often criticizing Hichilema’s economic and governance policies. His public appearances and speeches regularly drew large crowds, particularly in Lusaka and the Copperbelt region.
The Patriotic Front (PF), the party he led, has in recent years called for his political comeback, despite legal barriers that prevented him from running again. His relationship with the ruling United Party for National Development (UPND) was frequently tense, with accusations of political harassment and retaliatory rhetoric exchanged between both camps.
“Lungu was a towering figure in our politics, whether you agreed with him or not,” said Sylvia Masebo, Zambia’s Minister of Health. “His passing marks the end of a chapter in our country’s democratic journey.”
The Funeral Dispute
Shortly after his death was confirmed, sources close to the Lungu family indicated that the late president had allegedly expressed a desire to exclude Hichilema from funeral arrangements, citing personal and political tensions. Some Patriotic Front members had even warned that his memory should not be “used for political pageantry.”
However, mediation by religious leaders, traditional chiefs, and senior civil servants is believed to have helped broker a compromise, allowing the state to conduct an official funeral while respecting key aspects of the family’s requests.
In a brief televised address on Monday night, President Hichilema called for “calm, unity, and respect for the nation’s democratic heritage,” adding that Lungu’s death was “a moment to come together in honor of public service.”
“We salute his contributions to our Republic. Regardless of political rivalry, we must rise above division and recognize what binds us as a people,” Hichilema said.
Mixed Reactions from Zambians
Reactions to the evolving funeral arrangements have been mixed across Zambia, with some praising the state for demonstrating maturity and others criticizing both camps for politicizing a solemn moment.
In Lusaka’s bustling Kalingalinga township, where Lungu once practiced law, mourners gathered near a large mural of his image.
“We just want him to be buried with peace and dignity. Whether Hichilema attends or not, that doesn’t matter to us,” said Kabwe Chilufya, a local taxi driver and longtime PF supporter.
In contrast, others like Natasha Mwansa, a youth activist, see the president’s participation in the funeral as a necessary gesture of statesmanship.
“It’s a powerful statement about our democracy. You can compete politically, even bitterly, but still honor each other in death,” she said.
Tributes Pour In
Since the announcement of his death, tributes have poured in from around the world. Former Nigerian President Olusegun Obasanjo, South African leader Cyril Ramaphosa, and African Union officials have all issued statements celebrating Lungu’s commitment to regional peace and economic development.
The Southern African Development Community (SADC), of which Zambia is a member, is sending a high-level delegation to the funeral. Lungu was instrumental in peacekeeping efforts in the Democratic Republic of Congo and Zimbabwe during his tenure.
Meanwhile, Zambia’s Parliament observed a minute of silence last week and suspended debate in his honor. Flags remain at half-mast across the country, and schools have been instructed to hold remembrance assemblies on Thursday.
Looking Ahead
As Zambia prepares for a week of mourning, attention is now shifting toward the future of the Patriotic Front, which is widely seen as leaderless following Lungu’s death. The party has announced a special convention in July to chart its way forward.
For now, however, the focus remains on paying final respects.
“He gave his life to public service, and no matter our differences, that service deserves to be remembered with dignity,” said Reverend Paul Mulenga, who will lead one of the official prayer services.
Whether buried in state or at home, Edgar Lungu’s journey from lawyer to president, opposition figure to national elder, is one that will leave an indelible mark on Zambia’s political and social fabric.
