from ARNOLD MULENGA in Lusaka, Zambia
Zambia Bureau
LUSAKA, (CAJ News) – THE rift between the family of the late former Zambian president, Edgar Lungu, and the current government of President Hakainde Hichilema has further widened.
This after a weekend war of words emanating from the family spokesperson and presidential aspirant, Makebi Zulu, said the Lungus were ready to bring the deceased’s remains home from South Africa, provided Hichilema honoured the family’s wishes by not attending the funeral proceedings.
Zulu, in a television interview said the Lungu family was requesting that Hichilema instead send Vice President, Mutale Nalumango, to represent him.
The ruling United Party for National Development (UPND) chided Zulu, arguing these were “irresponsible” and “unwarranted” public statements.
“Mr Zulu’s persistent commentary on this solemn national matter is both irresponsible and suspicious, creating unnecessary tension and public anxiety,” Mark Simuuwe, UPND Media Director, responded.
He said once a funeral was declared a State Funeral, the participation of the sitting president “is not a matter of choice, it is a constitutional duty and a national obligation.”
“The president’s presence represents the unity and continuity of the Republic, and such occasions transcend political affiliations or personal egos,” Simuuwe said.
He argued the national interest must always rise above individual sentiments; hence it was “immoral” and “reckless” for Zulu to continue politicising what he termed a solemn moment of national mourning.
“On one hand, he preaches reconciliation and unity, yet on the other, he issues divisive, disrespectful and misleading remarks against the Head of State,” Simuuwe added.
Lungu (who was 68) died in June in South Africa, where he was seeking medical treatment.
Since then, the government and his family have been deadlocked over the burial arrangements.
The government wants the deceased repatriated for burial alongside other former heads of state at Embassy Park Presidential Burial Site in Lusaka.
The Lungus resist the attendance of Hichilema and have previously sought to bury him in South Africa.
The matter is before the South African courts.
Lungu was president from 2015 to 2021.
– CAJ News