Zambia awaits Edgar Lungu’s funeral as burial dispute drags on

Former Zambian President Edgar Lungu's Burial Location Remains Unresolved

As of August 2025, the Pretoria High Court has ruled that the body of former Zambian president Edgar Lungu, who passed away on Thu, Jun 5, 2025, in South Africa, must be returned to Zambia for a state funeral. This decision overrides the family's desire for a burial in South Africa. The court rejected the family's appeal, citing no reasonable prospect of success.

The court determined that Zambian law governs because Lungu was in South Africa temporarily for medical treatment. The Zambian government supports a state funeral in Zambia, aligning with Lungu's status as a former head of state, despite the family's objections related to a political dispute with current President Hakainde Hichilema.

Lungu served as Zambia’s leader from 2015 to 2021 and died at the age of 68 from an undisclosed illness. Plans for his state funeral in Zambia have been canceled twice due to disagreements. The family claims Lungu instructed that President Hichilema should not attend his funeral, whereas the government insists Hichilema is to preside.

The legal framework supports Lungu's repatriation and burial in Zambia, emphasizing national interest. However, repatriation has not occurred, and reports indicate the family has approached South Africa’s Supreme Court of Appeal. The delay and lack of communication have led to increased speculation.

The situation continues to evolve, with the final resting place of Edgar Lungu remaining a subject of national interest and potential political tension in Zambia.

Based on reporting by Africanews.