• Lungu's burial shifted to South Africa due to family-government feud.
• President Hakainde Hichilema canceled the national mourning period.
• The family insists Lungu's wish was for no government involvement in his funeral.
• Long-standing political animosity between Lungu and Hichilema complicates situation.
• Calls for unity arise amidst stalled funeral arrangements and public discontent.

Former Zambian President Edgar Lungu will be buried in South Africa after a contentious dispute between his family and the Zambian government regarding his funeral arrangements. The family's demand that current President Hakainde Hichilema not attend the funeral led to the cancellation of the repatriation of Lungu's body, which was initially planned for this week. The family lawyer, Makebi Zulu, emphasized that this decision reflects Lungu's wishes for a private farewell and not a state affair, exacerbating the political divide between the two camps, according to Africanews and Los Angeles Times.

The situation escalated when President Hichilema abruptly ended the national mourning period, citing that Zambia "cannot afford a state of indefinite mourning." His appeal for unity was perceived as hollow by Lungu's supporters. The mourning period, initially extended to allow for final arrangements, was scrapped entirely following the family's refusal to facilitate Lungu's return to his homeland, according to BBC and BBC.

Complications of the situation have roots in the fraught political history between Lungu and Hichilema, which includes Lungu's criticism of Hichilema's administration post-2021 election. Lungu's family indicated the former president's will and personal relations were not respected in the funeral planning, stating it was unacceptable for Hichilema to participate. Zulu expressed gratitude for the South African government’s support during these events, emphasizing their commitment to honor Lungu privately, as reported by Africanews and Los Angeles Times.

This rift, now echoing far beyond Lungu’s death, suggests a missed opportunity for national reconciliation. Civic leaders and citizens have expressed dismay that such a politically charged atmosphere prevents a unified mourning for a former president, emphasizing the need for dialogue and resolution. Many hoped for the political figures to reconcile, yet the tragedy serves as a stark reminder of the unresolved tensions within Zambian politics, according to BBC and BBC.