The family of late former President Edgar Chagwa Lungu has formally expressed significant concern over recent statements made by President Hakainde Hichilema, describing them as unfortunate and damaging to the former Head of State's legacy. Speaking through family spokesperson Makebi Zulu, the family highlighted the need to correct what they termed as misrepresentations, particularly regarding Mr. Lungu’s democratic credentials and the circumstances surrounding the 2021 general elections.

Mr. Zulu stated that President Lungu’s democratic commitment should not be questioned, reiterating his public acceptance of the 2021 election results. The family recalled that Mr. Lungu had declined calls from within the Patriotic Front (PF) to challenge the results in court, demonstrating his commitment to a peaceful transition of power. This directly refutes President Hichilema’s remarks made on August 24, 2025, during a tour of the Copperbelt, where he allegedly insulted the former President’s legacy by claiming there was resistance to hand over power. The family asserted that Mr. Lungu was a democrat who willingly facilitated a smooth handover to President Hichilema, citing his public remarks at the burial of PF official Jackson Kungo as proof of his statesmanship.

Furthermore, Mr. Zulu strongly rejected allegations by President Hichilema that he was once a target of shootings linked to the former President. The family described these claims as regrettable and unfortunate innuendos that unfairly tarnished Mr. Lungu’s reputation, urging President Hichilema to exercise restraint in his public discourse and avoid associating such claims with the late leader.

These remarks from the family come amidst an ongoing legal battle concerning the burial of the former president, who passed away in South Africa on June 5, 2025. On Monday, the Constitutional Court declined to grant the family direct access to appeal before it, ruling that the matter must first be heard by the Supreme Court in Pretoria. Mr. Zulu clarified that the core of the family's appeal is to assert their fundamental right to participate in decisions surrounding the burial of their relative. They argue that a High Court judgment effectively stripped them of any role in the matter, and further contended that the South African High Court erred in applying Zambian law, which, in their view, does not adequately provide for the burial of a president who dies abroad.

The family also confirmed that the Zambian government, through Secretary to the Cabinet Patrick Kangwa, had approached them to initiate formal negotiations concerning the repatriation and burial arrangements. However, the family expressed significant concern over what they perceive as contradictory statements emanating from ruling UPND officials and President Hichilema himself. They believe such public remarks threaten to erode trust and goodwill crucial for the negotiation process. In light of this, Mr. Zulu emphasized the need for sincerity and decency to prevail as discussions proceed, urging all parties to make genuine efforts to rebuild trust as the dispute heads for further litigation and dialogue.