A year-long legal tug-of-war over the remains of former Zambian President Edgar Lungu has finally concluded, with the Supreme Court of Appeal ruling that his family has the right to bury him in South Africa.
The decision effectively overturns previous efforts by the current administration of President Hakainde Hichilema to repatriate the body for a state funeral in Lusaka.
The court’s judgment highlights the deep-seated animosity between the late leader and his successor, noting that Lungu viewed himself as persona non grata in his own country and feared he would be denied a dignified send-off if the current government were involved.
While the Zambian government expressed disagreement with the ruling, they have stated they will not pursue the matter further. The conflict, which began after Lungu died of an undisclosed illness at age 68, saw the family demand a private burial after negotiations with the state collapsed.
The family’s firm stance was rooted in Lungu’s explicit wish to keep his successor away from his funeral. This legal victory brings an end to a chaotic period of competing mourning ceremonies and conflicting directives that followed the former president's passing.
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