The death of Zambia’s former President Edgar Lungu has sparked a row between his family, the government, and his political party, the Patriotic Front (PF), over how to honor him. Lungu, who led Zambia from 2015 to 2021, died last Thursday at the age of 68, and his death has shocked Zambians, with many radio stations playing gospel music in his memory.
The government announced a state funeral and declared a lodge in the capital, Lusaka, as the official venue for mourning. However, the PF dismissed this plan, directing mourners to its headquarters instead. Lungu’s family has also weighed in, insisting on choosing who will preside over the funeral.
The government has set up an official book of condolence at the lodge, but the PF has urged people to sign theirs at their headquarters.
The standoff is a continuation of the tumultuous relationship between Lungu and his successor, President Hakainde Hichilema.
The PF and Lungu’s family are accusing Hichilema’s government of being partly responsible for the former president’s death, claiming he was banned from leaving the country for years and couldn’t seek medical treatment sooner. The government has vehemently denied any responsibility for Lungu’s death.
This is not the first time conflict has broken out following a Zambian leader’s death. In 2021, the family of Kenneth Kaunda, the country’s first post-independence president, clashed with the government over his burial site.
The government ultimately buried Kaunda at Embassy Memorial Park in Lusaka, despite his family’s objections.
The row over Lungu’s funeral highlights the complex and often contentious nature of state funerals in Africa, where the state and the family often have differing views on how to honor the deceased.
In Lungu’s case, the government has the constitution behind it, but the PF has significant clout as the former leader’s long-time political home.
