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The family of former President Edgar Lungu and the Zambian government have reached a compromise on his funeral arrangements, with his body now expected to arrive in the country on Wednesday, June 18, 2025, aboard a private charter reportedly arranged by well-wishers.
This development follows earlier disagreements between the family and government over the repatriation and lying-in-state plans for the late president, who died in South Africa on June 5, 2025.
The resolution was announced during a joint media briefing in Johannesburg on Sunday by family spokesperson Makebi Zulu and Secretary to the Cabinet, Patrick Kangwa.
Zulu confirmed that the body will be flown from Lanseria Airport in South Africa to Kenneth Kaunda International Airport, where full military honors will be conducted.
The remains will then be taken to the funeral house in Chifwema, where they will lie in state.
He added that from June 19 to 21, the body will be taken to Mulungushi International Conference Centre (MICC) for public viewing from 09:00 to 16:00 hours each day, after which it will be returned to the funeral house in Chifwema each evening.
“A state funeral, expected to be attended by foreign dignitaries, will be held at MICC,” Zulu said.
He issued an apology to the nation on behalf of the family for any pain or confusion caused by the prolonged negotiations, noting that the family had aimed to respect President Lungu’s personal wishes.
However, plans to take his remains to Petauke and Kitwe, where he was born and raised, were not feasible due to government constraints.
“We urge his supporters to pay their respects during the three-day body viewing in Lusaka. The family hopes for a dignified, respectful, and unified mourning process,” Zulu added.
Meanwhile, Secretary to the Cabinet Patrick Kangwa confirmed that a state funeral will be held on Monday, June 23, 2025, and will be presided over by President Hakainde Hichilema.
He also announced that the national mourning period has been extended by nine days to allow for a dignified send-off.
“The Government of Zambia wishes to extend its gratitude to all individuals and entities who played a role in facilitating the repatriation and funeral arrangements of former President Lungu. These include former and current Heads of State,” Kangwa said.
He further thanked the negotiating teams, the family delegation led by Makebi Zulu and Richard Musukwa, government representatives, Zambian diplomatic missions, and the South African government for their assistance in providing medical care and facilitating the repatriation process.
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