Zambian government, Lungu family begin mediation over late president’s burial

Exactly three months after the passing of former President Edgar Lungu, the long-awaited resolution over his burial may finally be in sight.

On September 5, 2025, the Zambian government and the late leader’s family jointly announced the commencement of formal discussions aimed at ending the protracted standoff.

In a joint statement signed by Secretary to the Cabinet Patrick Kangwa and family spokesperson Makebi Zulu, both parties confirmed that a mediated process will guide the dialogue.

The process, they said, is intended to address outstanding issues surrounding the burial while fostering “genuine reconciliation and healing.” “The parties recognise that building trust is an essential step to reaching a mutually agreeable solution necessary for reconciliation,” the statement read.

It further stated that discussions would be carried out with sincerity, unity, and deep respect for the former President’s legacy and his family’s wishes.

Both sides also expressed gratitude to Zambians for their patience during the three-month impasse and appealed to the public to refrain from inflammatory statements as the mediation unfolds.

Meanwhile, legal proceedings remain active in South Africa.

On Monday, the Gauteng High Court is expected to hear an application by the Lungu family for leave to appeal to the Supreme Court.

Read More: Government officials arrive South Africa, as Zambia begins repatriation process for late President Edgar Lungu

The appeal challenges an earlier judgment granting the Zambian government the right to repatriate the former President’s remains for burial at Embassy Park, the official resting place for past Heads of State.

The deadlock has centred on the family’s demand that President Hakainde Hichilema should neither preside over nor be present at his predecessor’s burial.

In the absence of such an assurance, the family opted to inter the late President in South Africa. However, the Zambian government sued in the South African courts and secured a ruling in its favour.

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