The nation of Zambia has been marked by mourning and political discourse following the passing of its Sixth Republican President, His Excellency Mr. Edgar Chagwa Lungu, on Thursday, June 5, 2025, in Pretoria, South Africa. The news prompted immediate reactions, with the United Party for National Development (UPND) National Youth Chairman, Gilbert Liswaniso, announcing the suspension of party mobilization activities in Lavushimanda district as a mark of respect.

The family of the late former President, represented by spokesperson Makebi Zulu, expressed profound grief and outlined Mr. Lungu's wish to be buried in Zambia with dignity. However, they voiced significant grievances against the current government, alleging mistreatment during his post-presidency. Zulu detailed instances where Mr. Lungu was purportedly denied requests to travel abroad for medical attention in 2022 and 2023, despite the government's awareness of his health condition and his offer to use personal funds. The family stated that when his condition critically worsened in 2025, he traveled to South Africa as an ordinary citizen, and medical professionals there reportedly suggested that earlier intervention might have altered the outcome. These circumstances initially led the family to consider a private repatriation and funeral, citing mistrust and a desire to honor Mr. Lungu's wishes independently, resisting initial government oversight on arrangements.

The period following Mr. Lungu's death was characterized by intense political accusations. Patriotic Front (PF) faction Secretary General Raphael Nakacinda accused the government of subjecting Mr. Lungu to mistreatment after he left office, including a travel ban, and suggested the government sought to use the funeral for political mileage. Nakacinda asserted that Mr. Lungu's death could have been prevented had he been allowed to seek medical attention sooner and claimed the former president wished for a simple funeral due to being stripped of his entitlements. In response, Chief Government Spokesperson Cornelius Mweetwa denied any intention to politicize the death, assuring the public of the government's commitment to a dignified farewell. Concurrently, human rights activist Laura Miti posited that the PF was attempting to provoke a confrontation with the government over the funeral. Criticisms also emerged from figures like governance activist Wesly Miyanda and Economic and Equity Party (EEP) president Chilufya Tayali, who condemned the government's delay in publicly announcing Mr. Lungu's passing, with Tayali advocating for a full state funeral.

Condolences and reflections poured in from various quarters. The SADC Secretariat extended heartfelt condolences to President Hakainde Hichilema, the Lungu family, and the Zambian people, remembering Mr. Lungu's distinguished service and contributions to regional integration, peace, and development, particularly during his SADC chairship from August 2015 to August 2016. Zambian Vice President W.K. Mutale Nalumango shared a personal reflection, expressing deep sorrow despite past political disagreements, emphasizing a shared commitment to Zambia, and calling for national unity and prayer. Jackson Silavwe, President of the Golden Party of Zambia (GPZ), also appealed for all parties to agree on according President Lungu a state funeral with full honors, stressing the importance of national unity.

Amidst these tensions, formal engagements commenced. A Zambian government delegation, led by Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation Minister Mulambo Haimbe, traveled to South Africa to meet with family representatives, including Makebi Zulu, and PF faction Secretary General Raphael Nakacinda, to align positions for a dignified send-off. In a notable development, Acting PF President Given Lubinda stated that the PF fully supported the government's leadership in the funeral arrangements, affirming that Mr. Lungu deserved the honor of a State Funeral. Following these discussions, and accommodating a request from the Zambian community in South Africa for a church service, the family announced a path forward. Makebi Zulu confirmed a church service would be held in South Africa on Tuesday, June 10, 2025. Subsequently, President Hakainde Hichilema officially accorded a state funeral to the late former President. Secretary to the Cabinet Patrick Kangwa announced that Mr. Lungu's remains would be repatriated to Zambia on Wednesday, June 11, 2025, at which point the state would formally begin its role in the proceedings. A seven-day period of national mourning was declared from Sunday, June 8, to Saturday, June 14, 2025, with the funeral gathering to be held at Belvedere Lodge along Leopards Hill Road in Kabulonga, Lusaka.