By Burnett Munthali
President Hakainde Hichilema has formally declared the end of Zambia’s national mourning period for the late Sixth Republican President, Edgar Chagwa Lungu.
This announcement comes after two weeks of solemn national reflection, during which the nation grappled with both collective grief and an unresolved dispute with the Lungu family over funeral arrangements.
Speaking in a national address on June 19, 2025, President Hichilema emphasized that the mourning period had not only been a time for remembrance, but also a test of Zambia’s unity and resilience.
He began his address by expressing gratitude to the church, traditional leaders, and Zambians for their guidance, patience, and solidarity during the period of mourning.
President Hichilema extended thanks to former Vice President Enock Kavindele, Chief Mumbi, the Foreign Affairs Minister, the Secretary to the Cabinet, and others who played critical roles in trying to reach a consensus with the Lungu family.
Special appreciation was also extended to South African President Cyril Ramaphosa and the people of South Africa for their empathy and extensive preparations to support the late President’s repatriation.
The President acknowledged the disruptions caused to daily life and businesses due to the prolonged mourning and expressed understanding toward affected citizens.
He disclosed that a mutual understanding had been reached on June 15 in South Africa, paving the way for the late President’s remains to be returned to Zambia by June 18 for a state funeral and burial scheduled for June 23.
Following this agreement, the mourning period was extended by an additional nine days to accommodate the state funeral.
However, President Hichilema revealed that the Lungu family unexpectedly reversed the agreement and failed to make the body available for repatriation on June 18.
He described the situation as a disappointment not only to Zambians but also to the South African government, which had prepared a full military honour guard in vain.
In light of the failure to implement the agreed-upon arrangements, President Hichilema issued an apology to the South African government and the people for the embarrassment caused.
He emphasized that the nation could not continue in a state of indefinite mourning and that it was time for Zambia to return to normalcy.
The President underlined that while Edgar Lungu was a member of a family, he was also a former Head of State and therefore belonged to the nation.
He stated that it was only right for Mr. Lungu to be buried in Zambia with the dignity and honours befitting a former President.
Hichilema reassured Zambians that the government remained open to further engagement with the Lungu family should they choose to proceed with burial arrangements.
He urged citizens to maintain calm, peace, and lawfulness during this sensitive period.
In closing, President Hichilema paid tribute to the late President Lungu and offered prayers for his soul to rest in eternal peace.
The statement has since sparked a range of reactions from the public, with many supporting the President’s decision while others continue to question the motives behind the family’s reversal.
Despite the controversy, the government’s official position remains firm: the mourning period has ended, and the nation must now move forward.
President Hichilema concluded his address with a call for unity and resilience as Zambia navigates the days ahead.
May the memory of Edgar Chagwa Lungu, the Sixth Republican President of Zambia, rest in honour and peace.
May God bless Zambia.
