South Africa court: Zambia can repatriate ex-leader’s body, bury him in home country
A South African court has ruled that Zambia can repatriate the remains of its former president, Edgar Lungu, and bury him in his home country
JOHANNESBURG — A recent decision by a South African court has granted Zambia the right to repatriate the late former president Edgar Lungu’s remains for burial in his home country, contrary to the wishes of his family as reported by AP News.
The legal battle between the Zambian government and the family of the late President Lungu, who passed away in June at the age of 68, has been ongoing. Lungu’s family desired for him to be laid to rest in South Africa, without the attendance or involvement of current President Hakainde Hichilema in the funeral proceedings.
The court’s ruling emphasized the public interest and protocol surrounding a state funeral for a figure of national significance, overriding personal wishes. The decision marks a resolution to a contentious issue that has divided the Zambian nation.
The longstanding political rivalry between Lungu and Hichilema, including Hichilema’s imprisonment during Lungu’s presidency, has added complexity to the situation. Despite the family’s right to appeal the ruling, Zambia’s Attorney General expressed hope that the judgment would bring closure to the matter.
“This is not winning. You don’t win over a burial. It’s just what makes good sense, that the former president of the Republic of Zambia should be buried in his own country, the country where he was president,” said Attorney General Mulilo Kabesha in response to the court’s decision.
