By Sekaggya Seka Moses
Lusaka, Zambia – President Hakainde Hichilema has announced that the national mourning period for former President Edgar Chagwa Lungu will officially come to an end on June 19, 2025.
The decision follows a prolonged impasse between the government and the Lungu family over the burial arrangements.
In a national address, President Hichilema expressed gratitude to the citizens, church, and traditional leaders for their moral and spiritual guidance during this difficult time.
He also thanked the envoys, including former Vice President Enock Kavindele and Foreign Affairs Minister, for their efforts in searching for a reasonable and inclusive resolution to the impasse.
The government had reached a mutual understanding with the Lungu family on June 15, with plans to receive the former President’s remains on June 18 and hold a state funeral on June 23.
However, the family reversed their decision, preventing the repatriation of the body from South Africa. President Hichilema extended apologies to President Cyril Ramaphosa and the people of South Africa for the inconvenience caused.
Given the circumstances, President Hichilema stated that Zambia cannot sustain an indefinite mourning period and that the country needs to return to normalcy.
He emphasized that former President Lungu belongs to the nation and should be buried with full honors in Zambia.
While urging citizens to remain calm and orderly, President Hichilema reiterated that lawlessness would not be tolerated.
The government remains open to further engagement with the Lungu family. In his concluding remarks, President Hichilema prayed for the soul of the late President Lungu and called for national unity and peace.
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