A South African court has ruled that the body of former Zambian president Edgar Lungu must be returned to Zambia for a state funeral, ending a dispute between the Zambian government and Lungu’s family.
Lungu, who led Zambia from 2015 to 2021, died in South Africa on June 5 while receiving medical treatment. His family had wanted him buried in Johannesburg, citing his wishes to avoid a funeral in the presence of his political rival and current president, Hakainde Hichilema.
However, Zambia’s government argued that all former presidents should be buried at a special site in Lusaka, the capital, in line with tradition since the country’s independence in 1964. The high court in Pretoria halted the planned private burial in Johannesburg on June 25 and on Friday ordered that his remains be handed over to Zambian officials for repatriation.
Lungu’s sister, Bertha Lungu, wept in court after the judgment. Zambia’s Attorney General, Mulilo Kabesha, welcomed the ruling, saying it would allow the nation to honor Lungu with the respect given to all past leaders.
Lungu’s presidency was marked by major infrastructure projects, especially road construction, but also by a sharp rise in national debt, which Zambia continues to struggle with today.
