The family of Zambia’s former President Edgar Lungu has halted the return of his body from South Africa, accusing the government of breaching key agreements over his funeral.
The family had finalized arrangements for his remains to be flown back home on a private charter plane, but they stopped the plan due to disagreements over the funeral program.
The government had released a draft program without consulting the family, leading to the delay. The opposition Patriotic Front, led by Lungu until his death, has supported the family’s stance and accused the government of politicizing the mourning process.
Lungu died earlier this month in South Africa, where he was receiving treatment for an undisclosed illness.
A 16-day national mourning period is currently in effect across Zambia.
The family had initially refused to repatriate the body due to tensions with the government over funeral arrangements, but a deal was reportedly reached allowing President Hakainde Hichilema to preside over a state funeral.
