RESPECT  LUNGU FAMILY :

…..EFF urges amid funeral disputes

LUSAKA — The Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) has called on the Zambian government and the public to show utmost respect for the late President Edgar Chagwa Lungu’s family, as tensions continue over the handling of his funeral arrangements.

EFF president Kasonde Mwenda, in a strongly worded statement issued on Wednesday, said while President Hakainde Hichilema’s national address called for unity and reconciliation, it failed to directly acknowledge the Lungu family’s pain and frustration.

Mwenda noted that the family’s decision to pause funeral proceedings is not only understandable, but necessary, given what he described as mistreatment and political insensitivity by the state.

“President Lungu was not just a leader; he was a father, husband and brother,” said Mwenda. “His family has every right to mourn him according to his wishes, particularly in light of the difficult relationship he had with the current administration.”

While President Hichilema apologized to South Africa for disruptions surrounding the late president’s repatriation, Mwenda said the more important apology should be directed to the Lungu family and the people of Zambia.

The EFF emphasized that, although the state may play a ceremonial role in national funerals, it is the family who ultimately bears the emotional burden and must be granted the dignity and space to grieve.

“We urge all political actors and citizens to support and respect the Lungu family’s decisions. Let us honour his legacy by demonstrating empathy, not division,” Mwenda added.

The party concluded by urging Zambia to lead by example in compassion and respect, reminding the nation that unity begins with acknowledging those most directly affected.

President Lungu died on June 17, 2025. His burial has been temporarily suspended pending further consultation with the family.

What are issues of contention:

·  Full involvement in planning
The family has expressed dissatisfaction with the government’s unilateral issuance of a funeral program without their full consultation or participation. They want to be actively involved in all funeral arrangements.

·  Respect for President Lungu’s personal wishes
It has been suggested that the late President Edgar Lungu left instructions regarding how he wanted to be mourned and buried. The family wishes for these explicit instructions to be respected, especially in light of what they describe as a history of political hostility.

·  Non-politicization of the funeral
The family wants the funeral to be free from political manipulation or state overreach, preferring a dignified, family-led process rather than a heavily politicized state funeral.

·  Time to reflect and grieve
The family has paused the funeral process to allow space for reflection, indicating they are not comfortable proceeding under the current conditions and need time to assess how best to honour President Lungu.

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