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Hichilema forcing himself into Lungu burial programme
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Zambian President Hakainde Hichilema has officially ended the national mourning period for the country's sixth Republican President, the late Edgar Chagwa Lungu, citing a breakdown in funeral arrangements and a failure by the former leader's family to repatriate his remains as agreed.
In a televised address to the nation on Wednesday evening, President Hichilema announced that the mourning period, which had lasted 14 days, would conclude at the end of June 19, allowing the country to resume normal operations.
"Our country cannot afford a state of indefinite mourning," Hichilema said. "As of the end of today, the 19th of June 2025, this particular national mourning period is officially over."
The decision follows a botched attempt to repatriate the late President's remains from South Africa, where Lungu died earlier this month. The government had made arrangements to receive the body on June 18, following an agreement with the family confirmed during a joint press conference in South Africa on June 15. However, the remains were not delivered as scheduled.
President Hichilema expressed regret over what he described as a last-minute reversal by the Lungu family. "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," he said. "We extend our sincere apologies to President Ramaphosa, the Government, and the people of South Africa for this unfortunate situation."
He acknowledged the efforts of those who helped coordinate the state funeral preparations, including former Vice President Enock Kavindele, Chief Mumbi, Foreign Affairs Minister Mulambo Haimbe, and Secretary to the Cabinet Patrick Kangwa. President Cyril Ramaphosa and the South African Defence Forces had also made extensive preparations, including military honours for the late Zambian leader.
Hichilema underscored the symbolic and national importance of Lungu's final resting place. "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."
The President urged the public to remain calm and peaceful, cautioning against any unlawful behaviour. "No amount of lawlessness will be tolerated," he said firmly.
Despite the impasse, Hichilema left the door open for reconciliation and future dialogue with the Lungu family. "Our hearts remain with you. Our doors, as Government, remain open for further engagement, as appropriate," he said.
He concluded the address by reaffirming the country's respect for the former leader. "May the soul of our departed former Republican President, Mr. Edgar Chagwa Lungu, rest in eternal peace. May God bless you all. May God bless Zambia."
The situation remains fluid, and it is not yet clear when or if the body of Edgar Lungu will be returned to Zambia for burial.
In a televised address to the nation on Wednesday evening, President Hichilema announced that the mourning period, which had lasted 14 days, would conclude at the end of June 19, allowing the country to resume normal operations.
"Our country cannot afford a state of indefinite mourning," Hichilema said. "As of the end of today, the 19th of June 2025, this particular national mourning period is officially over."
The decision follows a botched attempt to repatriate the late President's remains from South Africa, where Lungu died earlier this month. The government had made arrangements to receive the body on June 18, following an agreement with the family confirmed during a joint press conference in South Africa on June 15. However, the remains were not delivered as scheduled.
President Hichilema expressed regret over what he described as a last-minute reversal by the Lungu family. "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," he said. "We extend our sincere apologies to President Ramaphosa, the Government, and the people of South Africa for this unfortunate situation."
Hichilema underscored the symbolic and national importance of Lungu's final resting place. "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."
The President urged the public to remain calm and peaceful, cautioning against any unlawful behaviour. "No amount of lawlessness will be tolerated," he said firmly.
Despite the impasse, Hichilema left the door open for reconciliation and future dialogue with the Lungu family. "Our hearts remain with you. Our doors, as Government, remain open for further engagement, as appropriate," he said.
He concluded the address by reaffirming the country's respect for the former leader. "May the soul of our departed former Republican President, Mr. Edgar Chagwa Lungu, rest in eternal peace. May God bless you all. May God bless Zambia."
The situation remains fluid, and it is not yet clear when or if the body of Edgar Lungu will be returned to Zambia for burial.
Source - online
