President Hichilema Ends National Mourning Amid Government-Family Impasse Over Lungu’s Burial
………….Reaffirms Government’s Commitment to Rule of Law as Nation Seeks Closure
President Hakainde Hichilema has announced the official end of the national mourning period for former President Edgar Chagwa Lungu, citing a growing impasse between government and the late President’s family regarding the state funeral arrangements. The development marks a significant shift in the handling of what was expected to be a unifying state event, but has instead turned into a contentious and emotionally charged standoff.
In a solemn but firm address to the nation, President Hichilema acknowledged the country’s grief and expressed gratitude to all stakeholders who had contributed to efforts aimed at resolving the funeral-related disagreements. However, he also laid bare the depth of the breakdown in consensus, saying despite all efforts, the family’s abrupt change of position left the government and the nation in a difficult and unsustainable position.
“As you are all aware, our government has made numerous efforts to engage the family and representatives of the late President, in order to reach consensus in this matter,” Hichilema stated. “By last Sunday, 15th of June, a mutual understanding was achieved and was expressed through the joint press briefing in South Africa.”
That agreement, the President explained, was to see the body of the former Head of State repatriated on June 18, followed by an official state burial on June 23. The government, in response, extended the mourning period by nine days and activated full state funeral protocols.
“Yesterday, June 18th, the people of Zambia were prepared to receive the remains of our former President but were surprised by the family’s reversal of the agreed course of action,” Hichilema said. “At our request, the South African Government prepared extensively, with military honours… who did so in vain, as the former President’s body was not availed by the family for repatriation.”
The President did not disclose the specific reasons behind the family’s change of heart but emphasised that this unexpected turn of events undermined not only state processes but also the dignity of national mourning.
“For this unfortunate situation, we extend our sincere apologies to President Ramaphosa, the Government, and the people of South Africa,” Hichilema said.
Calling the standoff unsustainable, Hichilema declared an end to the state of mourning, stressing the need for the country to resume its normal rhythm.
“Our country cannot afford a state of indefinite mourning,” he declared. “We have done everything possible to engage the family of our departed 6th Republican President, and we have reached a point where a clear decision has to be made.”
In a direct but measured message, the President reminded the nation that while the family’s emotions and rights were acknowledged, the office of the presidency superseded private interest.
“Mr. Lungu was not only an ordinary citizen, but our 6th Republican President. While we recognise that he belongs to a family, he also belongs to the nation of Zambia,” he said. “It is therefore correct that our 6th Republican President should be buried in Zambia with full honours, and not in any other nation.”
As public frustration grows, the President reiterated his administration’s commitment to peace, order, and the supremacy of the law.
“As we have stated before, during this difficult time, no amount of lawlessness will be tolerated,” he warned. “Let us remain united as a nation and maintain the peace we are known for.”
Despite the breakdown, Hichilema extended an olive branch, indicating that government remained open to further talks if the family is willing.
“Our doors, as Government, remain open for further engagement, as appropriate,” he said.
The fate of Edgar Lungu’s final resting place remains uncertain, but Hichilema’s declaration signals a government no longer willing to remain in limbo. The impasse, now a national issue, has ignited debate about the delicate balance between state protocol and family autonomy particularly when the deceased is a former Head of State.
With emotions still raw and the late President’s body still in South Africa, Zambia now enters an uncertain phase: one where healing must begin, but closure remains elusive.
June 19, 2025
©️ KUMWESU
Even in death this baboon of a President remains visionless
What an ass
Everyone that I know that liked ECL is very happy with the decision the family has made. ECL was not loved just by PF, but many many Zambians. I urge those that are bitter and hurting to just let it go. Stop the insults, even though you know you have immunity from being arrested because you have the birthright or beong to UPND. It is now time to unite as a country, and move on.
VOTE FOR CHANGE IN 2026.
Divisive in death, as was in life…
The bible says, ” If you realize that an arm may lead you to sinning, cut it off.” Well done Mr president, for officially ending this nonsense, which was just going to continue attracting the exchange of unnecessary and unproductive issues. After all their associates have foolishly and unrealistically (and whilst forgetting our national unwritten traditions and norms) stressed and made it clear that there is no act in the constitution that supports, our traditional and cultural way of dignifying send offs for the departed national leaders. And some of the so called constitutional lawyers, are hypocrites of highest degree! They were the same bufoons, who were involved in the drafting of the, constitution, and had witnessed several national mournings and send offs carried based on our traditional national beliefs, values and norms. This particular bufoon comes now to quote and show that the constitution of Tanzania was well framed . But Mr constitution lawyer, for so many years you have been a state counsel, why haven’t you honestly helped the nation to refine that part of the constitution if you are not a hypocrite and bufoon?
Well done Mr. President. You were very patient. Let us now see what they will do with the body of ECL.
Well done HH we are in support.
I really wanted to know what the disagreement was about before I criticize the bereaved family, but anyway may God speak through our hearts and protect our mother Zambia
This was the only sensible thing to do under the circumstances.
Look I concur with you 100%…! I don’t know you though so hola..?
Great and smart decision, Mr. President. It is sad to hear lawyer John Sangwa misleading the nation with arguments that are not grounded in context of our traditions, government protocols and practices.
Now that the state involvement in the funeral of the 6th Republican President Dr Edgar Chagwa Lungu is over, the family can proceed with their arrangements for burial unhindered. If they decide to bury in South Africa on Saturday or Monday as earlier hinted , let them avail the Program and those willing can travel and bid farewell to
our late President in dignity..away from shameless hypocrites and crocodile tears.
May the Soul of our Late President, Dr Edgar Chagwa Lungu Rest in Peace.
Hypocrites are those who claim to be Christian but die holding a grudge against someone. Hypocrites are those who point at others claiming they are evil when they have worse things those they point at including kilking innoncent people including school children. The bible is clear that such people will not enter heaven.
Excellent approach by Bally. Lungu brought confusion on Inception as a president, he was such a terrible leader during his tenure and brought a lot of confusion in retirement. And finally a lot of confusion in death as well. Truly Zambia doesn’t deserve such characters. Only Lungu’s beneficiaries will applaud the family stance and support such behaviour. Let us move on.
His Excellency President Hakainde Hichilema, you are a remarkable leader who remains composed and calm amidst the turmoil following the passing of former Sixth President Edgar Chagwa Lungu. You have endured the nonsense and foolish actions of the Lungu family and the PF by choosing silence, which reflects the qualities of a true leader.
President Hakainde Hichilema has acted in accordance with Biblical principles, which advise us to ‘be quick to hear and slow to speak.’ Through this approach, the Lungu family and the PF have revealed their hostile behavior by attempting to hold the government hostage. Wisely, and by God’s grace, the National Mourning period has just concluded. The government did its utmost to support the Lungu family, yet they were consumed by ingratitude and hypocrisy, believing they could incite unrest and confusion in Zambia by encouraging people to rise against the government. We will observe the actions of the Lungu family, including those who misguided them into not cooperating with a government that has nothing to gain from this situation.
The family can now proceed with their plans, but holding a large funeral gathering for the late President Edgar Chagwa Lungu would violate public order act. It is now the responsibility of Makebi Zulu, Emmanuel Mwamba, Given Lubinda, Raphael Nakachinda, and other PF members to repatriate the remains of late Edgar Chagwa Lungu and organize his burial, without government involvement; let their hypocrisy and stubbornness guide them. Their evil intentions are now exposed.
Good decision and was long over due.
Okey now we are back to our usual selves, my question is, what happens to the table standings of the bear called Jema Jema, does it still continue to be in the Top four?