from ARNOLD MULENGA in Lusaka, Zambia
Zambia Bureau
LUSAKA, (CAJ News) – THE Zambian government and the family of the late president, Edgar Lungu, have reopened formal discussions to resolve the impasse of his burial.
This was confirmed on Friday, exactly three months after his death in South Africa, where he was undergoing treatment.
Secretary to the Cabinet, Patrick Kangwa, and Lungu family spokesperson, Makebi Zulu, confirmed the process.
A mediated process will be employed to address outstanding issues, with mediators jointly appointed by both parties.
“We extend our heartfelt gratitude to the people of Zambia for their patience and understanding,” read a statement.
The Lungus and the administration of President Hakainde Hichilema are deadlocked over his burial.
The deceased’s family sought to bury him in South Africa but the government successfully appealed at the South African courts to halt the burial.
The Lungu family is against the presence of Hichilema in any procession to lay Lungu to rest.
They claim this was the wish of the former president, who had an enmity with his successor.
Previous talks collapsed after the government insisted on Hichilema presiding over the burial.
– CAJ News