Edgar Lungu was the immediate former President of this nation and his passing should have, nay, deserved an official announcement from Government.  Indeed, when a former Head of State passes on, even if there may be no law prescribing it, it behoves the sitting President to make that announcement.

We have noted with dismay that you, Sir, merely acknowledged on your Face Book page that you had been informed of the passing and regretted the same, passing condolences to the family and the nation.

We have also taken note that the first official announcement was made by the Secretary to the Cabinet, Mr. Patrick Kangwa, two and a half days later – to the effect that you, Sir, had declared a period of seven days of national mourning from Sunday 7 to Sunday 15 June 2025.

We have now noted that there seems to be an impasse between Government and the late former President’s family with regard to the repatriation of the remains of the departed as well as to how and where to bury him. 

Today marks exactly seven days since his death.  This whole stand-off, which is in the public arena, demonstrates that someone is not taking leadership and that someone is YOU.

The family is understandably upset by whatever has gone on before but more so by the death as well as their perception that had the former President accessed medical attention sooner than he did, their beloved one would still be alive today.

Aside from the family, the nation is waiting to put closure to this matter and that closure can only be done when the former President is buried.  The nation is confused and perplexed at what is going on.

In our Zambian and African culture, when an illness or a death visits, even our enemies, we engage and walk alongside them or their families until there is closure.  We do not stand aloof.  It has been noticed that you, Sir, have not even addressed the nation over this death.  A Facebook page acknowledgement of the death of a former head of state is not an official engagement with the nation.

YOU, Sir, have got the power and capacity to change all this.  Rather than sending emissaries that are doing more harm than good to this effort, you Sir, should take the lead on this. 

Firstly, become more empathetic and engaged.  Zambians are mourning, hurting, angry and deeply divided.  Sir, this situation presents an opportunity for you to unite the nation.  Speak to us, comfort us in our mourning, do the right thing in the circumstances, do not mind what comments people make but just play your part.  There is no leader that does not get contrary comments to his/her leadership decisions.  You cannot be all things to everyone.

Secondly, make an effort  to go and see the widow wherever this may be, or whichever becomes most convenient.  This would go a long way in bringing healing to the nation as well as to the family.  You might wish to use emissaries such as Mr. Lazarus Kapambwe – a well respected diplomat to prepare the way for you.

Mama Lungu, you are a mature believer and very prayerful.  The situation that we find ourselves in is regrettable and most distressing.  My appeal to you and the family is that you should look at this situation from the perspective of the grand scheme of history. 

You will be doing this for a nation that is deeply divided and needs healing.  Any other burial than one that is due to your husband will ensure that the nation continues divided. and finally