President Hakainde Hichilema has underscored the critical importance of setting aside disagreements until after the former president Edgar Lungu is laid to rest.
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Speaking during a meeting with the United Church of Zambia (UCZ) executive at State House this morning, President Hichilema said the focus must solely be on honouring Lungu’s memory during this period of mourning.
“Let’s respect the dead and attend the funeral and burial before moving on to other matters,” President Hichilema stated, acknowledging the difficult situation the nation is navigating following President Lungu’s demise.
Lungu died this month on June 5, and he is yet to be buried due to misunderstanding between the former first family and the government over the procession of his funeral and repatriation despite several hints of successful consultation.
The former first family decided to bury Lungu in South Africa, a country where he died despite the Government and citizens’ desire to have him buried in his homeland.
President Hichilema reaffirmed the government’s desire for Lungu to be buried in his country, Zambia, alongside other former presidents.
He highlighted the sanctity of both birth and death, stressing that it would be right and fair for Lungu to be laid to rest in the country where his journey began.
“Birth and death are both sacred moments in our lives and in light of this, we believe it is only right and fair that our sixth president be laid to rest in Zambia, alongside the five presidents that have gone before him,” he said.
The President further emphasised that the decision regarding Lungu’s burial is not his alone, as a former Head of State is considered an “asset of the nation” and sacrifices are made upon assuming such a high office.
“The decision regarding where he is to be buried is not mine alone because as the Head of State, Lungu was not just a citizen, but an asset of the nation. When one assumes such a high office, one makes certain sacrifices,” the President said.
President Hichilema said despite whatever disagreements or issues that may have existed, there is a need to come together now to bury Lungu with full honours, as a former president, deserving of a dignified funeral, one befitting of his position.
He added that once the burial was complete that when outstanding grievances could be addressed.
Drawing parallels to past national funerals, President Hichilema cited the dignified burial accorded to former president Fredrick Chiluba, despite legal challenges during his presidency.
He noted that former presidents Chiluba, Kenneth Kaunda, and Rupiah Banda all had their immunity revoked at some point, yet were still buried with dignity.
President Hichilema added that Lungu was the only one to leave office without losing his immunity, and no pursuit of its removal was ever initiated despite possible temptation.
He reiterated that outstanding grievances can and should be addressed once the burial proceedings are complete, urging the nation to prioritise a dignified farewell for its former leader.
By Sharon Zulu
Kalemba June 24, 2025
