Zambia's government filed an emergency court case Tuesday to block the planned burial of former president Edgar Lungu in South Africa. Attorney General Mulilo Kabesha sued multiple family members to stop Wednesday's funeral service. The legal action targets former first lady Esther Lungu and several of the deceased leader's children. Kabesha also named the family lawyer and morgue company as defendants in the lawsuit.
Edgar Lungu died June 5 at age 68 at a Pretoria hospital after serving as Zambia's president. His relatives want to bury him in Johannesburg rather than return his body to Zambia. The family claims Lungu did not want current President Hakainde Hichilema to attend his funeral. This disagreement sparked a bitter two-week fight between the government and Lungu's survivors.
Kabesha argues that former presidents must receive state funerals under Zambian law. He wants a court order to prevent the burial until officials resolve where Lungu should rest permanently. The attorney general believes public interest requires full military honors for deceased heads of state. He points to a previous court ruling that overruled founding president Kenneth Kaunda's burial wishes.
The government insists that personal preferences cannot override national traditions for former leaders. Kabesha filed the urgent application to ensure Lungu receives proper ceremonies in his home country. A South African judge will hear arguments Wednesday morning at 8 AM. The outcome will determine whether the family can proceed with their burial plans.
Edgar Lungu died June 5 at age 68 at a Pretoria hospital after serving as Zambia's president. His relatives want to bury him in Johannesburg rather than return his body to Zambia. The family claims Lungu did not want current President Hakainde Hichilema to attend his funeral. This disagreement sparked a bitter two-week fight between the government and Lungu's survivors.
Kabesha argues that former presidents must receive state funerals under Zambian law. He wants a court order to prevent the burial until officials resolve where Lungu should rest permanently. The attorney general believes public interest requires full military honors for deceased heads of state. He points to a previous court ruling that overruled founding president Kenneth Kaunda's burial wishes.
The government insists that personal preferences cannot override national traditions for former leaders. Kabesha filed the urgent application to ensure Lungu receives proper ceremonies in his home country. A South African judge will hear arguments Wednesday morning at 8 AM. The outcome will determine whether the family can proceed with their burial plans.
