9 months after former Zambian president Edgar Lungu died, his physique has nonetheless not been buried, sparking debate throughout southern Africa.
Lungu died in June 2025 in South Africa whereas receiving medical therapy.
But his physique stays in a mortuary as a dispute continues between his household and the Zambian authorities over the place and the way he needs to be laid to relaxation.
Lungu household and authorities at odds
Lungu’s household desires a personal burial and has reportedly resisted plans for a state-led funeral.
The Zambian authorities, nevertheless, insists that the previous president deserves a nationwide send-off and burial on the official presidential burial website.
The disagreement has stalled funeral preparations and pushed the matter into authorized and political territory.
The weird delay has additionally triggered hypothesis on social media, with some folks questioning why the burial has taken so lengthy.
Lungu resolution on Kenneth Kaunda resurfaces
The scenario has drawn consideration due to a choice Lungu himself made 4 years in the past.
When Zambia’s founding president Kenneth Kaunda died in June 2021, his household wished to bury him at his non-public farm subsequent to his late spouse.
However Lungu, who was president on the time, rejected that request. His authorities insisted that Kaunda needs to be buried on the official presidential burial website reserved for former heads of state.
The matter went to court docket, and the state gained the case. Kaunda was ultimately buried on the nationwide memorial website in Lusaka.
Historical past repeating itself?
At this time, some observers see irony within the present dispute.
The identical debate that after performed out between Kaunda’s household and Lungu’s authorities now surrounds Lungu’s personal burial.
Whereas supporters argue that the household’s needs ought to come first, others say the state should honour former leaders with official burial protocols.
For now, the ultimate resting place of Zambia’s sixth president stays unsure, months after his dying.
