Lungu Family insist on honouring Late President’s Wishes

The family of Zambia’s late 6th President, Dr. Edgar Chagwa Lungu, has rejected government-led funeral arrangements, insisting on fulfilling the late president’s personal wishes regarding the handling of his remains.

In a statement, the Lungu family revealed that they had already made logistical arrangements privately to transport the late president’s body to Zambia. Crucially, they reiterated one of Dr. Lungu’s final requests that his mortal remains be conveyed solely by his family and not by the state.

 The family also made it clear that President Hakainde Hichilema should not be present during any stage of the transportation or funeral.

A Government delegation led by Foreign Affairs Minister Mlambo Haimbe and later by former Vice President Enoch Kavindele was initially open to the family’s wishes, it is believed.

“The family is disturbed by the desire of the government of the Republic of Zambia to convey the mortal remains… in ways that suggest that they have no say,” the statement read. “Matters of conscience for both the deceased and the family should not be sacrificed at the order of convenience by the government.”

"The family accused the government of sidelining them in critical decisions surrounding how the late president should be mourned. They emphasised that state protocol should not override the personal conscience of the deceased or the dignity of family choice.

However, the Lungu family reaffirmed their commitment to ensuring that the late president is mourned in a manner befitting his status, both by the nation and international dignitaries. They also indicated that the public would be informed of alternative funeral arrangements.

Meanwhile, Zambia prepares to bid farewell to a former head of state in a tension between state protocol and personal legacy.