Zambia's leader Hakainde Hichilema stopped the country's mourning for dead former president Edgar Lungu. The decision came after Lungu's family blocked his body from coming back home from South Africa. Government officials had planned a full military welcome and funeral ceremony for the former leader. Lungu's relatives said authorities broke their promises about burial plans.
The mourning period started June 8 and was supposed to end June 14. Officials extended it until June 23 with flags hanging low and sad music playing on radio stations. Lungu's body was ready to fly back Wednesday on a private plane. The government had arranged for him to rest at his house before Sunday's funeral service.
His family stopped the return flight and said they hope to bring him back someday. President Hichilema said the country cannot stay sad forever and needs to return to normal life. Opposition party leaders backed the family's choice and criticized the government's handling of the situation.
Religious groups asked both sides to talk and find a solution that honors Lungu's memory. The former president ruled Zambia from 2015 to 2021 before losing the election. He died this month in South Africa where he was getting medical treatment for a secret illness.
The mourning period started June 8 and was supposed to end June 14. Officials extended it until June 23 with flags hanging low and sad music playing on radio stations. Lungu's body was ready to fly back Wednesday on a private plane. The government had arranged for him to rest at his house before Sunday's funeral service.
His family stopped the return flight and said they hope to bring him back someday. President Hichilema said the country cannot stay sad forever and needs to return to normal life. Opposition party leaders backed the family's choice and criticized the government's handling of the situation.
Religious groups asked both sides to talk and find a solution that honors Lungu's memory. The former president ruled Zambia from 2015 to 2021 before losing the election. He died this month in South Africa where he was getting medical treatment for a secret illness.
