Pretoria: A South African court has ruled that Zambia's government can repatriate the body of former President Edgar Lungu and give him a state funeral, despite his family's opposition. Lungus family had desired a private burial in South Africa, where he passed away in June, and were visibly distraught by the Pretoria high court's decision.
According to BBC, the Zambian state welcomed the ruling, asserting that while it mourned with the former statesman's family, Lungu "belongs to the nation." Following Lungu's death from an undisclosed illness at the age of 68, his family wished to manage the funeral arrangements, including the repatriation of his body. However, the Zambian authorities sought to take control.
The government and Lungu's family initially agreed on a state funeral before disagreements arose over specific arrangements, leading the family to consider a burial in South Africa. Zambian attorney general Mulilo D Kabesha stated that the ruling was not a victory for the government but rather "what makes good sense." He emphasized that as a national leader, Lungu's commemoration should not be restricted to immediate family.
Mr. Kabesha commended the court for its "sound judgment" and noted that while the family had the right to appeal, this situation served as a "learning curve" for prospective leaders. Lungu served as Zambia's president from 2015 to 2021 before losing an election to Hichilema. After his defeat, Lungu briefly stepped back from politics but later re-engaged.