Court Halts Former Zambian President Lungu Funeral Amid Family-Government Dispute

The funeral of Zambia's late former President Edgar Lungu has been repeatedly delayed amid a fierce dispute between his family and the current Zambian government over the arrangements and location of his burial. Lungu's family insists on excluding President Hakainde Hichilema from the funeral, in line with Lungu's wishes due to their bitter political rivalry, while the government demands a state funeral in Zambia with full military honors, as mandated by law. The Pretoria High Court in South Africa halted a private burial planned by the family at the last minute, ruling that the matter must be resolved before any funeral proceeds, and scheduled a full hearing for August 4. The government claims Lungu, considered national property, must be buried in the national cemetery alongside other former presidents, but the family opposes repatriation without their consent. Tensions have escalated with allegations of government attempts to repatriate Lungu's body without family approval and travel restrictions imposed on some of Lungu's children. This ongoing feud has left Lungu's remains in limbo and mourners waiting, highlighting the deep political and personal divisions following his death.