The family of Zambia’s former President Edgar Lungu has reached an agreement with the government over his funeral arrangements, following days of uncertainty and negotiations.
Lungu, who passed away on June 5 at the age of 68 in South Africa, where he was receiving treatment for an undisclosed illness, will receive a state funeral on Sunday, June 22. According to the agreement, his body will be flown to Lusaka on a private charter plane and received with full military honors.
It will then lie in state at his residence before being taken to a conference center for public mourning.
The dispute arose from Lungu’s reported wish that his successor, President Hakainde Hichilema, should not be near his body, sparking tension between the government and Lungu’s family. However, after negotiations, the family has agreed to allow Hichilema to preside over the state funeral.
The government has declared seven days of national mourning and has assured that it will honor the agreement reached with the family.
The late president will be buried on Monday, June 23, although the exact burial site remains undecided.
