The family of Zambia's late former President Edgar Chagwa Lungu has made the significant decision to halt the repatriation of his remains from South Africa to Zambia. This move stems from escalating tensions and a profound breakdown in trust with the Zambian government regarding the agreed-upon funeral arrangements. Family spokesperson Makebi Zulu articulated the family's deep concerns, citing multiple instances where the government allegedly breached prior agreements and acted unilaterally.

A primary point of contention arose on June 16, when the Road Development Agency (RDA) announced roadworks on the key route from Crossroads to Chifwema. This specific road had been designated for the state funeral procession. The family contends that this announcement was made without any consultation and directly contradicted the previously established funeral programme. Furthermore, on June 17, the Secretary to the Cabinet issued a public statement limiting public participation in the reception of the late President’s remains, a decision also made without the family's input. According to Mr. Zulu, this action denied the family the fundamental right to determine or invite attendees for such a crucial moment.

Another critical discrepancy involved the proposed funeral programme itself. A programme was released suggesting that upon arrival at Kenneth Kaunda International Airport, the late President’s body would be transported directly to a church service and subsequently to the Mulungushi International Conference Centre. This plan, the family insists, had not been agreed upon. Despite raising these concerns with the Secretary to the Cabinet, who reportedly acknowledged some errors, further publications of similar, unagreed programmes continued to appear, solidifying the family's distrust.

Makebi Zulu stated, “For this reason and many more, the family find it very difficult to believe that the government would stick to their end of the agreement and have resolved, sadly so, that the mortal remains of President Edgar Lungu would not return home today.” The family had previously finalized arrangements for his remains to be flown back on a private charter plane after days of intense negotiations with the government. This delay marks the second time the family has refused to repatriate the body, highlighting the ongoing dispute over who should control the funeral proceedings.

The opposition Patriotic Front (PF), which Lungu led until his death, has publicly supported the family's stance, accusing the government of politicising the mourning process. Edgar Lungu, who served as Zambia's president from 2015 to 2021, passed away earlier this month in South Africa while receiving treatment for an undisclosed illness. A 16-day national mourning period is currently in effect across Zambia. Amidst the solemn period, the political undercurrents surrounding Lungu's funeral have added an unexpected layer of controversy.

It was revealed that Lungu had left instructions that President Hakainde Hichilema, his long-standing political rival, “should not come anywhere near his body.” However, this issue was reportedly resolved after a deal was struck that allowed for President Hichilema to preside over a state funeral on June 22. After his defeat in the 2021 election to Hichilema, Lungu had initially stepped back from politics but later returned to the political arena. He harbored ambitions to vie for the presidency again but was constitutionally barred by the Constitutional Court at the end of last year, having served the maximum two terms allowed by law. Despite his disqualification, he remained a highly influential figure in Zambian politics and a vocal critic of his successor. Last year, he reported instances of police harassment and alleged being placed under house arrest, as well as being prevented from leaving the country, accusations which the government denied.

Despite the current impasse, the family maintains hope for a future resolution. “It is our hope that someday his remains will be repatriated back home and buried in a manner that respects both family wishes and national dignity,” Zulu affirmed, indicating a desire for a resolution that honors both personal grief and national decorum.