BREAKINGNEWS: Zambian President Officially Ends National Mourning Amid Funeral Impasse with Lungu Family

LUSAKA, June 19, 2025 – Zambian President Hakainde Hichilema has declared the official national mourning period for former President Edgar Chagwa Lungu over, effective immediately, citing an unresolved impasse with the late leader’s family over repatriation and burial plans.

In a nationally televised address this evening, President Hichilema announced the end of the mourning period, originally extended by 9 days following a breakthrough agreement, stating: “Our country cannot afford a state of indefinite mourning… Given these circumstances, I therefore wish to inform the nation, that as of the end of today the 19th of June 2025, this particular national mourning period is officially over.”

The decision comes after a day of high drama and national disappointment. The government had prepared to receive Lungu’s remains from South Africa on Wednesday, June 18th, following what Hichilema described as a “mutual understanding” reached by Sunday, June 15th. This agreement, involving Zambian envoys and the Lungu family, was announced at a joint press briefing in South Africa and outlined plans culminating in a state funeral in Zambia on June 23rd.

However, in a stunning reversal, the Lungu family failed to present the former President’s body for repatriation yesterday. Hichilema revealed that the South African government, at Zambia’s request, had prepared a full military honours send-off which was rendered futile.

“The people of Zambia were prepared to receive the remains but were surprised by the family’s reversal of the agreed course of action,” Hichilema stated, extending a formal apology to South African President Cyril Ramaphosa and its people for the “unfortunate situation.”

President Hichilema expressed deep frustration after “numerous efforts” by the government to engage the family. He emphasized the government’s position: “Mr Lungu was not only an ordinary citizen, but our 6th Republican President It is therefore correct that our 6th Republican President should be buried in Zambia with full honours, and not in any other nation.”

Despite ending the formal mourning period, Hichilema stressed the government’s commitment to finding a resolution: “Our doors, as Government, remain open for further engagement, as appropriate.” He urged citizens to maintain calm and order, warning that “no amount of lawlessness will be tolerated,” and calling for national unity.

The President thanked Zambians for their resilience and patience during the two-week mourning period, acknowledged businesses affected, and expressed gratitude to the church, traditional leaders, envoys (including former VP Enock Kavindele and Chief Mumbi), and South Africa for their cooperation.

The announcement leaves the fate and final resting place of Zambia’s sixth President, Edgar Chagwa Lungu, unresolved, casting a shadow over the nation even as it attempts to return to normalcy.