Zambia's former president Edgar Lungu died 10 days ago during medical treatment in South Africa. His family and the current government spent days arguing about funeral plans. Lungu had told relatives that President Hakainde Hichilema should stay away from his body. Regional leaders helped both sides reach a deal for the ceremony. The agreement allows Hichilema to lead a state funeral next Sunday.
Workers will fly Lungu's body to Lusaka on Wednesday using a private plane. Military officials will honor the former leader when he arrives at the airport. The body will rest at his home before moving to a conference center. People can visit and pay respects for three days starting Thursday. Officials will bury Lungu on Monday but have not chosen the final location.
Lungu led Zambia from 2015 until 2021 when voters picked Hichilema as the new president. Courts stopped Lungu from running again because he had already served two terms. The former president often criticized his replacement and claimed police were watching him. Family members apologized for the delay and thanked citizens for waiting patiently.
Workers will fly Lungu's body to Lusaka on Wednesday using a private plane. Military officials will honor the former leader when he arrives at the airport. The body will rest at his home before moving to a conference center. People can visit and pay respects for three days starting Thursday. Officials will bury Lungu on Monday but have not chosen the final location.
Lungu led Zambia from 2015 until 2021 when voters picked Hichilema as the new president. Courts stopped Lungu from running again because he had already served two terms. The former president often criticized his replacement and claimed police were watching him. Family members apologized for the delay and thanked citizens for waiting patiently.
