AFTER months of prolonged talks over the burial of late president Edgar Lungu between the State and the family, former Malawian president Bakili Muluzi has finally thrown in the towel.
Muluzi, who was appointed to mediate in the impasse, announced his decision to step away from the mediation process surrounding the delayed burial of the late Lungu, five months after his death in South Africa on June 5, 2025.
A short and dignified closure has instead dragged into a prolonged standoff between the government and the family, which even landed in the South African courts.
Muluzi revealed that while some progress was made, attempts to secure full agreement had failed to yield results.
“Given the prevailing circumstances and the inability to secure a conclusive pathway forward, it has now become necessary to withdraw from the mediation process,” Muluzi stated.
The former Malawian leader expressed gratitude to President Hakainde Hichilema for his openness and readiness to engage during the mediation efforts, saying this spirit had made it possible to pursue a peaceful resolution.
He expressed hope that even though his role had come to an end, the steps taken so far had helped create space for a possible peaceful solution.
He said his withdrawal was not an abandonment of the process, but a time for Zambians themselves to find the solution amicably.
“The matter now returns to the family, the Zambian people, and their Government to conclude in a manner they will consider fitting and respectful,” Muluzi said.
The drawn-out saga has left the region watching with unease as Zambia struggles to its late leader.
By George Musonda
Kalemba November 12, 2025
