As published by Kalumbu Lumpa in African Times
President Hakainde Hichilema has announced the end of the national mourning period for Zambia’s 6th Republican President, the late Mr. Edgar Chagwa Lungu, following what he described as a regrettable reversal of funeral arrangements by the former President’s family.
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In a televised address to the nation on Wednesday evening, President Hichilema said the country had marked 14 days of mourning with dignity and patience, but now needed to return to normalcy.
“As of the end of today, the 19th of June 2025, this particular national mourning period is officially over,” the President declared. “Our country cannot afford a state of indefinite mourning.”
The announcement follows a failed repatriation of the late President Lungu’s remains from South Africa, where he passed away earlier this month. President Hichilema explained that despite an agreement reached on Sunday, June 15th, between the government and Mr. Lungu’s family—confirmed during a joint press briefing in South Africa—the remains were not presented for return to Zambia as planned on Wednesday, June 18th.
“The people of Zambia were prepared to receive the remains of our former President but were surprised by the family’s reversal of the agreed course of action,” Hichilema said. “We extend our sincere apologies to President Ramaphosa, the Government, and the people of South Africa for this unfortunate situation.”
The President expressed gratitude to key figures involved in mediation efforts, including former Vice President Enock Kavindele, Chief Mumbi, the Foreign Affairs Minister, and the Secretary to the Cabinet. He also acknowledged the support of President Cyril Ramaphosa and the South African Defence Force, who had prepared military honours for the late President’s repatriation.
President Hichilema reiterated that the state had done all it could to facilitate a dignified state funeral, including extending the mourning period and making logistical and diplomatic arrangements.
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“Mr. Lungu was not only an ordinary citizen, but our 6th Republican President. While we recognise that he belongs to a family, he also belongs to the nation of Zambia,” he said. “It is therefore correct that our 6th Republican President should be buried in Zambia with full honours, and not in any other nation.”
He urged citizens to remain calm, law-abiding, and united during this time, warning that “no amount of lawlessness will be tolerated.”
In a conciliatory tone, President Hichilema said the government remains open to further engagement with the Lungu family. “Our hearts remain with you,” he said. “Our doors, as Government, remain open for further engagement, as appropriate.”
The address concluded with the President extending his condolences and prayers, stating, “May the soul of our departed former Republican President, Mr. Edgar Chagwa Lungu, rest in eternal peace. May God bless you all. May God bless Zambia.”
This article has been published in partnership with the African Times.
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