Zambia’s former President Edgar Lungu left instructions that his successor, Hakainde Hichilema, “should not be anywhere near” his body, a family spokesperson has said.
Lungu died on Thursday, 5th June, at the age of 68, six months after an attempted return to politics was blocked by a court ruling that he could not run for office again.
He was the sixth president of the southern African nation, serving from 2015 to 2021, when he lost an election to long-time opposition leader and current President Hakainde Hichilema.
The government had planned to fly his body back home on Wednesday but was unable to do so due to a dispute with Lungu’s family and his political party, the Patriotic Front (PF), over mourning and funeral arrangements.
Lungu was recognised for enhancing Zambia’s international profile and strengthening diplomatic relations with neighbouring countries and beyond, efforts which helped elevate the country’s global standing.
His presidency focused on diversifying the economy away from copper dependency, investing in infrastructure, and improving human security.
Lungu died of an undisclosed illness. However, the PF stated last week that he had been receiving “specialised treatment” in South Africa.
The party further alleged that Lungu had been banned from travelling abroad for years, claiming that if he had been allowed to seek treatment earlier, he might still be alive. The government has denied these allegations.
“I’m sure all of us would want to give our former president a fitting send-off, and that is what we must work towards achieving,” the Foreign Minister said.
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