GOVERNMENT has accorded a state funeral to former President Edgar Lungu who shall be mourned starting tomorrow June 8 to Saturday, June 14, 2025.
Secretary to the Cabinet Patrick Kangwa announced that Lungu’s remains will arrive in the country on Wednesday, June 11, 2025.
Lungu is likely to be buried on Saturday, June 14, 2025.
The former Head of State died on Thursday, at 06:00 hours at Medforum Clinic, in South Africa.
He had been receiving medical attention in recent weeks under close supervision.
Kangwa stated that government had been engaging and consulting the family and other stakeholders holders concerning the funeral of the former president.
“The government of the Republic of Zambia wishes to inform members of the public, that President Hakainde Hichilema has accorded a state funeral to his excellence Mr Edgar Chapwa Lungu the sixth president of the Republic of Zambia who died on Thursday 5th June 2025.”
“President Hichilema has declared a seven day period of national mourning from Sunday 8th June to Saturday 14th June 2025, this is in line with the guidelines relating to former republican president,” he said.
He added that the house of mourning will be at Belvedere Lodge along Leopards Hill Road in Kabulonga, Lusaka.
“This is in honour of the late former president in recognition of his immense contribution to the nation as sixth president of Zambia.”
“Members of the public are requested to observe the seven day period of national mourning from 06:00 hours to 18:00 hours by postponing or canceling all entertainment activities while flags shall fly at half mast,” said Kangwa.
He added that public will be updated on other funeral arrangements at a later time.
Meanwhile, the family of the late president has urged that Lungu be mourned with dignity and respect.
In a statement issued by family spokesperson Makebi Zulu following a meeting with Government officials led by Foreign Affairs Minister Mulambo Haimbe, the family said they had accepted the State’s decision to grant the late President a state funeral but called for solemnity and honour in the proceedings.
Zulu said the family has also acknowledged that President Lungu had been unwell and had long been receiving specialised treatment for an underlying condition in South Africa since 2015.
However, the family expressed disappointment that in recent years, they felt the State had on several occasions ill treated Lungu, including allegedly denying him opportunities to seek medical attention abroad since 2022.
They further stated that although the government had wanted to repatriate the body sooner, the family rejected the proposal and insisted the late President’s body be brought home only on Wednesday, June 11, 2025.
Additionally, the family has granted a request by the Zambian community in South Africa to hold a church service in honour of Mr Lungu on Tuesday, June 10.
“The family has requested all stakeholders to respect their wishes,” said Mr Zulu, adding that once the body arrives in Zambia, the State would begin its formal role in the funeral process.
By Catherine Pule
Kalemba, June 7, 2025
