Zambian officials talked about bringing former President Edgar Lungu's body home after he died. Minister Ronald Lamola visited President Hichilema to discuss the problem. Lungu passed away at age 68 on June 5 during medical treatment in Pretoria. The government wanted to bury him back home in Zambia with full honors. Hichilema thanked South Africa for caring for Lungu during his illness.
Problems started when Lungu's family refused to hand over his body at the last moment. South African military leaders had prepared a special ceremony at Lanseria Airport on June 18. Everything was ready with red carpets and formal honors for the former president. The family stopped the handover because they felt angry about funeral plans. They claimed the Zambian government made important decisions without asking them first.
Lungu's relatives accused officials of poor planning for the state funeral. They particularly disliked that Hichilema would personally receive the remains. The family released a statement explaining their complaints about the arrangements. President Hichilema apologized to South Africa for the confusion and embarrassment. He also ended the official mourning period early.
The dispute happened because Lungu and Hichilema had become enemies. Hichilema had taken away Lungu's presidential benefits when he announced plans to run against him in 2026. This action removed Lungu's access to government healthcare services. South Africa stepped in to help Lungu receive medical treatment. The family decided to bury Lungu privately in South Africa instead of returning home.
Problems started when Lungu's family refused to hand over his body at the last moment. South African military leaders had prepared a special ceremony at Lanseria Airport on June 18. Everything was ready with red carpets and formal honors for the former president. The family stopped the handover because they felt angry about funeral plans. They claimed the Zambian government made important decisions without asking them first.
Lungu's relatives accused officials of poor planning for the state funeral. They particularly disliked that Hichilema would personally receive the remains. The family released a statement explaining their complaints about the arrangements. President Hichilema apologized to South Africa for the confusion and embarrassment. He also ended the official mourning period early.
The dispute happened because Lungu and Hichilema had become enemies. Hichilema had taken away Lungu's presidential benefits when he announced plans to run against him in 2026. This action removed Lungu's access to government healthcare services. South Africa stepped in to help Lungu receive medical treatment. The family decided to bury Lungu privately in South Africa instead of returning home.
