Death and state funeral of Edgar Lungu
Edgar Chagwa Lungu (11 November 1956 – 5 June 2025) was the sixth President of Zambia (2015–2021). He died in Pretoria, South Africa, aged 68, while undergoing treatment for cardiac complications related to an undisclosed illness. A seven‑day national mourning period was declared by the Zambian government, later extended to 12 days before being cut short amid a funeral dispute with his family.
Illness and death
Lungu had previously received treatment abroad for achalasia, a rare esophageal disorder, and suffered a hypoglycaemic collapse during a public ceremony in 2021. In early 2025 he travelled to South Africa for further medical care. He died on 5 June 2025 during cardiac surgery in Pretoria.
Funeral arrangements and dispute
The government announced plans for a state funeral in Zambia, repatriating his remains and burying him at Embassy Park Presidential Burial Site. The Lungu family rejected these plans, citing the former president’s wish to exclude President Hakainde Hichilema from attending. Negotiations led to an agreement: repatriation scheduled for 18 June, lying in state from 19–21 June, state funeral on 22 June, burial on 23 June.
On 18 June, the family abruptly blocked the repatriation, accusing the government of breaching agreements and reaffirming Lungu’s wish. The next day, President Hichilema formally ended the national mourning, citing national stability concerns.
Legal action
On 24 June, Zambia’s Attorney‑General filed a public interest lawsuit in the Gauteng High Court, Pretoria, seeking an interim interdict to stop a private burial in South Africa and compel a state burial in Zambia. Respondents included Lungu family members, their lawyer Makebi Zulu, and Two Mountains Pty Ltd. The court granted an interim injunction on 25 June, halting the funeral on the scheduled day and setting a full hearing for 4 August 2025.
Key issues
- State vs Family Wishes: Zambia asserts a legal obligation for state funerals with military honours; the family insists on Lungu’s personal wishes and private conduct in South Africa.
- Political tensions: Longstanding enmity between Lungu and President Hichilema intensified the conflict, with the funeral becoming symbolic of broader partisan divides.
- Precedent and sovereignty: The case explores national authority over presidential funerals, diaspora repatriation norms, and cross-border legal jurisdiction.
Reactions and legacy
National and regional leaders—including SADC and the African Union—sent condolences. Public debate emphasised Lungu’s legacy in infrastructure development and democratic transition, while critics questioned his record on debt and governance. The funeral stalemate sparked discussions on political civility and institutional cohesion in Zambia.
Status
The case remains pending, with a full court hearing set for 4 August 2025. The final outcome will determine the legality and location of Lungu’s burial.
