Edgar Lungu, Zambia’s former president from 2015 to 2021, died last Thursday at the age of 68. His death has sent shockwaves across the country, with many Zambians expressing genuine grief. Radio stations have been playing gospel music in his honor, a testament to his enduring influence in Zambian politics despite being barred from contesting last year’s election.
As a Christian country, Zambia takes its faith and periods of mourning seriously. However, a standoff between Lungu’s family and the government has left mourners confused about how to honor him properly. The government announced plans for a state funeral at one of its owned lodges in Lusaka but was swiftly dismissed by the Patriotic Front (PF), which directed mourners to its headquarters instead.
Family’s Wishes
Lungu’s family is not opposed to a state funeral but insists on choosing who will preside over it. According to family lawyer Makebi Zulu, Lungu had instructed him before his death that he did not want any politician or religious leader involved in organizing his funeral, except for close friends like former Vice-President Inonge Wina.
Mrs. Bwalya Mumba, Lungu’s widow, stated, "We don’t want anything associated with politics at our son’s burial ceremony." She expressed her desire for her husband to be buried elsewhere, possibly outside Lusaka, rather than alongside other former heads of state at Embassy Memorial Park, where Kenneth Kaunda lies buried. This wish contradicts her late husband’s own preferences, although the reasons for this discrepancy remain unclear.
Ongoing Tensions
The dispute over how best to honor Edgar Lungu highlights ongoing tensions between families and governments over matters of national importance, such as funerals for high-ranking officials. The High Court has previously ruled that national interest takes precedence over individual preferences when it comes to burying former presidents, with sites chosen by governments rather than families.
Former President Kenneth Kaunda expressed similar sentiments while still alive, stating that "there cannot possibly" exist another grave worthy enough for him than one beside his wife, Betty, whose memory continues to guide him every day.
In contrast, Mrs. Bwalya Mumba has voiced concerns about potential security risks associated with holding the burial event near PF headquarters, where thousands are expected to gather. She emphasized her desire to protect her children from exposure to individuals involved in their lives during and after her marriage to Lungu, especially following allegations of infidelity against him.
"I do not want my children exposed again," she said when asked if they would attend their father’s burial ceremony if held near those individuals.
The scheduled burial service will take place without any dignitaries present, largely due to the late invitations sent out by PF leadership. However, some members may still choose to attend despite the lack of formal invitations.
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