from ARNOLD MULENGA in Lusaka, Zambia
Zambia Bureau
LUSAKA, (CAJ News) – PRESIDENT Hakainde Hichilema has appealed for unity among Zambians as confusion continues to reign after the death of former president, Edgar Chagwa Lungu.
The head of state addressed the nation on Thursday night amid the apprehension afflicting the Southern African country, which is divided along partisan political party lines.
There is tug-of-war over the burial arrangements, a week after Lungu died in South Africa after an undisclosed illness, aged 68.
The family of the deceased and Lungu’s Patriotic Front (PF) are on one side, against the United Party for National Development (UPND), the ruling party since 2021.
Each of the two parties trade accusations of seeking political mileage out of the death of the country’s sixth president.
Meanwhile, amid the deadlock, it remains unclear when the deceased will be repatriated from South Africa.
On Thursday night, Hichilema urged Zambians to unite during this mourning period.
“This is a time for all of us, regardless of political affiliation or background, to come together in the spirit of compassion and national solidarity,” Hichilema said.
Earlier on Thursday, PF issued an apology after party supporters were quoted as making ethnic remarks from the party’s Secretariat.
Hichilema addressed the issue.
“Do not allow yourself to be drawn into provocation. We shall not allow lawlessness to prevail,” Hichilema said.
“Let love lead. As president my duty is to serve all citizens regardless of ethnicity or creed,” the president added.
“Zambia’s strength lies in its diversity, and in our ability to come together even in times of deep sorrow.”
The deadlock continues.
Hichilema’s administration recently announced a state funeral but the family and PF have pushed back.
There are two condolence books, with the government announcing the official one. However, PF have come up with theirs.
The family and PF also want to lead the repatriation process, against plans by the government.
A family spokesperson has been quoted as saying one of the deceased’s final wishes was that Hichilema “must not come anywhere close to his (Lungu’s) body.”
It is reported another wish was that he be buried by the family in a private ceremony, not the Embassy Park Presidential Burial Site, where ex-presidents are interred.
Lungu was Zambia sixth president, between 2015 and 2021, before his defeat by Hichilema.
His party claims the government initially blocked him from seeking medical attention out of the country.
Lungu lost his presidential benefits when he returned to active politics. Last year, courts barred Lungu from contesting next year’s elections, ruling that he had served the constitutional two terms. He had argued he served one, as the initial one was to complete that of his predecessor, Michael Sata, who died in office.
Some members of his family, including ex-First Lady, have been subjected to probes for alleged corruption.
Critics accuse Hichilema of acting out of vengeance.
Lungu’s government kept him in police custody under charges of treason after he was accused of endangering the president’s life after his motorcade allegedly refused to give way to the one transporting Lungu.
Hichilema, five years Lungu’s junior, contested five previous elections in 2006, 2008, 2011, 2015 and 2016.
– CAJ News