A South African court has denied an appeal from the family of former Zambian President Edgar Lungu to have him buried in South Africa. Lungu, who served as president from 2015 to 2021, passed away in June 2025 at 68 in a South African hospital. His family sought to repatriate his body, citing political tensions with current Zambian President Hakainde Hichilema.
The Pretoria High Court ruled that the Zambian government has the authority to determine the burial arrangements for its former leaders, declaring that state funerals are matters of national protocol that take precedence over individual wishes. As a result, Lungu’s body will be returned to Zambia for a state funeral.
The dispute reflects deep-rooted political rivalries, particularly between Lungu and Hichilema, who was imprisoned on treason charges during Lungu’s presidency. Hichilema has since accused Lungu’s government of political oppression. Lungu’s family contended that his wishes were to be buried in South Africa and argued for Hichilema’s exclusion from the funeral. However, the court dismissed these claims, citing a lack of legal grounds for the appeal.
This decision has ignited discussions on the balance between personal desires and national protocol amid political rivalries. While Lungu’s family expressed disappointment, the Zambian government welcomed the ruling, viewing it as a matter of national pride and sovereignty. As preparations for Lungu’s state funeral commence, the event will honor his contributions to Zambia, highlighting the country’s political history and the societal responses to its former leaders.
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