President Hakainde Hichilema on Wednesday, 19 June 2025, abruptly ended the national mourning period for the late Sixth Republican President, Mr Edgar Chagwa Lungu, following a dramatic standoff with the former president’s family over the release of his remains from South Africa.
In a nationally televised address, President Hichilema said the mourning period could not be extended indefinitely, citing the need for the country to return to normalcy. His remarks came after the Lungu family refused to release the late president’s body for repatriation, despite prior arrangements and government assurances.
“The country cannot afford a state of indefinite mourning. While we recognise that the Sixth Republican President should be buried in Zambia with full honours—and not in any other nation—I wish to inform the nation that, as of the end of today, 19 June 2025, this particular national mourning period is officially over,” said Hichilema.
The president’s announcement has stirred debate, with critics accusing the government of mishandling the matter and disrespecting the legacy of a former head of state. Supporters, however, have defended the decision, arguing that the nation could not remain hostage to a private family dispute.
The Lungu family, citing unresolved grievances with the current administration, refused to release his body from South Africa—where he died while seeking medical treatment—despite earlier agreements with state officials. The eleventh-hour reversal forced the Zambian government to cancel state-led funeral arrangements.
“Yesterday, 18 June, the people of Zambia were ready to receive the remains of our former president, but were surprised by the family’s reversal of the agreed course of action,” Hichilema added, without elaborating on the nature of the family’s grievances.
The president also issued a formal apology to South Africa, which had gone to great lengths to prepare full military honours for the repatriation. “We express sincere gratitude to President Cyril Ramaphosa and the people of South Africa for their exceptional cooperation and compassion,” he said.
Observers say the incident has highlighted deep political tensions between the current government and allies of the late president, raising questions about national unity during periods of transition.
Hichilema maintained that the government had exhausted all avenues to engage the Lungu family in a respectful manner. “In the meantime, we urge our citizens to maintain calm and orderliness. No amount of lawlessness will be tolerated,” he warned.
The fallout has sparked widespread debate on social media, with many Zambians calling for transparency from both the government and Lungu’s family regarding the reasons behind the impasse.
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