CHIEF government spokesperson Cornelius Mweetwa has said President Hakainde Hichilema has never considered former president Edgar Lungu as an enemy, whether in government or opposition.
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Mweetwa asserted that this is because President Hichilema viewed him as a fellow citizen who led the country with dignity, and not as an opponent.
Speaking when he appeared on Prime TV’s Oxygen for Democracy programme last evening, Mweetwa emphasised President Hichilema’s commitment to fostering unity, peace and love amongst Zambians.
Mweetwa expressed government’s profound regret over the current impasse that has risen in the aftermath of Lungu’s demise.
“Government regrets this impasse and remains committed to finding a dignified resolution, honoring Lungu’s memory and the wishes of Zambian people,” Mweetwa said.
Mweetwa affirmed government’s determination to pursue a respectful solution to the situation.
He said that government understands the gravity of the situation and will exhaust all possible options to ensure that Lungu receives a funeral befitting his status as a former head of state and respected leader of the Zambian people.
“The government regrets this impasse and is committed to finding a dignified resolution, honoring the late president’s memory and the wishes of the Zambian people,” Mweetwa said.
“Given the significant role he played in Zambia’s history, we are committed to ensuring that his memory is honored with the utmost care and respect.”
Mweetwa also stressed that if Lungu is to be buried in a foreign country, it would be a grave disservice not only to him but also to the Zambian people who he led.
“Allowing Lungu’s burial to take place in a foreign land would not only be disrespectful to his memory and legacy, but it would also create a lingering, unfulfilled obligation upon our country,” said Mweetwa.
“We would subject ourselves and our nation to unnecessary anguish by allowing this situation to unfold so why put ourselves to such trauma.”
By Sharon Zulu
Kalemba June 24, 2025
