THE recent chaos surrounding the anticipated burial of former president Edgar Lungu has stirred strong emotions across Zambia.
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As citizens express grief, loyalty, frustration, and political alignment, the national atmosphere risks becoming volatile.
However, in this critical moment, we must pause, put aside personal and political sentiments, and examine the broader consequences of our actions, especially on how we are perceived internationally.
When disorder clouds a State function as significant as the burial of a former Head of State, the issue transcends internal politics, it becomes a matter of national dignity, stability, and global image.
Dignitaries from across Africa and the world do not attend such ceremonies merely for protocol, they do so as a mark of respect, solidarity, and commitment to diplomatic ties.
However, these visits are carefully calculated.
They hinge not only on symbolism but also on security, order, and clarity of national procedure.
If what the world sees is confusion, protests, threats, or a lack of consensus over the burial process, Zambia sends a troubling signal.
It tells potential visitors that the environment is unpredictable and possibly unsafe.
This is not just speculation. In global diplomacy, perception often holds more weight than fact.
A chaotic funeral arrangement, amplified through media and social channels, may prompt embassies to advise dignitaries to stay away.
The message will be clear: Zambia is not in control of its most solemn national moments.
This would be a profound loss, not just in ceremonial attendance, but in the erosion of Zambia’s standing as a peaceful and well-governed nation.
Bilateral relations thrive on mutual respect, order, and confidence in each other’s systems.
If Zambia, once seen as a beacon of stability in the region, appears fractured at such a crucial juncture, we may weaken trust with key partners.
Long-term implications could affect diplomatic cooperation, investor confidence, and regional influence.
Luckily this fate is not inevitable.
What’s required is a shift from subjective emotion to objective reasoning.
Whether you supported President Lungu’s leadership or not, whether you support our current President Hakainde Hichilema’s policies, the position of the former Head of State demands a dignified, unified national response.
This is not about agreeing with any president’s policies; it’s about respecting the office he held and upholding the traditions and decorum that bind our nation together. It’s about putting Zambia first.
If we view this moment only through the narrow lenses of political rivalry, tribal identity, or personal loss, we fracture the very foundations that uphold state functions.
If we act with civility, transparency, and a spirit of reconciliation, we communicate something powerful to the world: that Zambia can rise above division, even in moments of grief.
Now more than ever, unity and leadership are essential, not just from government officials, but from every citizen, influencer, and stakeholder.
Social media should not be a battleground; it should be a platform for healing and guidance.
Religious leaders, civil society, political figures, and media voices all have a role to play in calming tensions and reinforcing shared values.
Ultimately, the burial of a former president should be an act of national honour, not national unrest.
It should be a moment when the country demonstrates its maturity, its respect for institutional memory, and its capacity for peace in the face of difference.
The world is watching. Let us show them a Zambia that knows how to mourn with dignity, govern with wisdom, and rise above chaos.
Let us preserve not just our legacy, but our global reputation.
Kalemba June 18, 2025
