Former Zambian President Edgar Lungu's family refuses to bring his body home from South Africa. They object to current President Hakainde Hichilema attending the funeral service. The family delayed the repatriation for a second time because of this dispute. Lungu died at age 68 in a South African hospital on June 5. His lawyer says Lungu wanted Hichilema to stay away from his burial.
The two politicians fought bitter battles throughout their careers. Lungu defeated Hichilema in the 2016 presidential election. Hichilema spent four months in prison after Lungu's government charged him with treason. The case involved a road incident where Hichilema's motorcade failed to yield to Lungu's convoy.
Hichilema won the 2021 presidential race against Lungu. The former president accused the new government of harassment and movement restrictions. Lungu's family claims officials blocked his travel to South Africa for medical treatment. The government denies preventing his trip.
Zambia planned seven days of national mourning and a state funeral. The family rejected the original funeral program and caused the first delay. Government officials hope both sides will reach an agreement about the burial arrangements.
The two politicians fought bitter battles throughout their careers. Lungu defeated Hichilema in the 2016 presidential election. Hichilema spent four months in prison after Lungu's government charged him with treason. The case involved a road incident where Hichilema's motorcade failed to yield to Lungu's convoy.
Hichilema won the 2021 presidential race against Lungu. The former president accused the new government of harassment and movement restrictions. Lungu's family claims officials blocked his travel to South Africa for medical treatment. The government denies preventing his trip.
Zambia planned seven days of national mourning and a state funeral. The family rejected the original funeral program and caused the first delay. Government officials hope both sides will reach an agreement about the burial arrangements.
