21.02.2026 23:11
A rare crisis is unfolding in the African country of Zambia. The body of the country's former President Edgar Lungu has been kept in a morgue in South Africa for eight months after his death due to a dispute between his family and his successor Hakainde Hichilema. The interesting crisis that has captured the attention of the entire world is rooted in Lungu's will, in which he requested that his political rival Hichilema not attend his funeral and not approach his remains.
The body of Zambia's former President Edgar Lungu is still being held in a morgue in South Africa, eight months after his death. This is due to the ongoing dispute between Lungu's family and the current President Hakainde Hichilema, which has stalled the burial process.
THE GRAVE PREPARED IN THE CAPITAL REMAINS EMPTY
Although a grave was prepared for Lungu in the cemetery in the capital Lusaka, the grave remains empty due to the inability to bring the body back to the country. This incident has become a symbol of the political and legal crisis in the country.
WILL AT THE CENTER OF THE DISPUTE
According to the Associated Press, in his will written in his final days, Lungu requested that his political rival Hichilema not attend his funeral and not approach his body.
Hichilema, on the other hand, has taken a stance in favor of a formal burial for the former president in accordance with state protocol. As the matter was taken to court, the court ruled in favor of the current president. However, Lungu's family continues to insist on a burial ceremony without Hichilema's participation.
COMPETITION DATES BACK YEARS
The political tension between the two leaders dates back to 2015. During Lungu's presidency, Hichilema was arrested on charges of "treason," and in the elections held in 2021, Hichilema emerged victorious at the polls.
After leaving office, Lungu faced restrictions on some of his rights while attempting to return to politics, and his family became the subject of various investigations. Lungu passed away in South Africa last year.
FAMILY'S CONDITIONS AND COURT RULING
For the official funeral ceremony to take place, Zambian authorities need to receive the body. The family has requested that the body be brought to the country by private jet and kept under the control of three individuals they designate throughout the ceremony.
Believing their demands would not be met, the family wanted to hold a private ceremony in South Africa. However, upon the initiative of Zambian authorities, a court in South Africa ruled in August that the body should be taken to Zambia.
CULTURAL SENSITIVITIES COMPLICATE THE PROCESS
In Zambia, failing to bury the dead in a timely and dignified manner is considered a cultural taboo. According to local beliefs, the words of the elderly before death can carry "blessing or curse" significance.
Rumors of a "curse" related to the official residence of the last three presidents are also being discussed in public. It is reported that the current President Hichilema works at the official residence but stays elsewhere.
The uncertainty that has lasted for eight months is waiting to be resolved under the shadow of both political competition and cultural sensitivities.