12/06/2025
The family of the late President Edgar Chagwa Lungu has reiterated one of the deceased’s deeply held wishes: that President Hakainde Hichilema should not be anywhere near his body.
The request, described in a statement by family spokesperson Makebi Zulu, stems from what the family calls reasons “that have become common cause,”.
“At the said meetings between government and the family, it was made known that the family had already put in place all logistics to address the wishes of the deceased that his mortal remains be conveyed by the family privately and not the Government of the Republic of Zambia and that President Hakainde Hichilema should not be anywhere near the body of President Edgar Chagwa Lungu for reasons that become common cause” Mr Zulu said.
The family emphasized that their position is not political but rather a matter of conscience and fidelity to the former president’s final instructions.
“Matters of conscience for both the deceased and the family should not be sacrificed at the altar of convenience”
While acknowledging the importance of national mourning, the family insisted that the rights of the bereaved must be balanced with the state’s ceremonial obligations. They concluded by pledging to inform the public of any alternative arrangements.
Pretoria, South Africa, 12th June 2025