"Lungu's South-Bound Send-Off"

  

... Lubinda, Tembo, and Musoma Accuse State of Breaching Funeral Agreement and Sabotaging Lungu’s Burial Plans

By Francis Maingaila

Lusaka, Zambia24 (June 21, 2025) - The opposition Tonse Alliance has accused the UPND-led government of breaching a funeral agreement made with the family of the late President Edgar Chagwa Lungu, resulting in the family’s decision to bury the former Head of State in South Africa rather than Zambia.

Speaking at a press briefing in Lusaka on Saturday, Tonse Alliance Acting Chairperson Given Lubinda said the government’s alleged failure to honour the agreement had deprived Zambians of the opportunity to bid farewell to the former president on home soil.

“From the onset, the Tonse Alliance has respected the wishes of the Lungu family and only offered support when requested. While we regret the decision to bury Dr. Lungu in South Africa, we understand and accept the family’s position,” Lubinda said.

According to Lubinda, an agreement was reached on June 14, 2025, between the family and the government, following mediation by religious, traditional, and political leaders.

The agreement reportedly outlined that the government would not take custody of the body, that the funeral would be family-led, and that President Hakainde Hichilema would not be in close proximity to the remains.

However, Lubinda said the government violated these terms, creating a deadlock and forcing the family to make alternative arrangements. He noted that the government has not publicly denied the allegations.

“We ask: Why did the UPND government enter into an agreement they had no intention of honouring? Did they ever genuinely intend to bury President Lungu in Zambia?” he questioned.

Sean Tembo, President of the opposition Patriots for Economic Progress (PeP), echoed these concerns, accusing the government of acting in bad faith from the very beginning.

“The issue surrounding the return of Dr. Edgar Chagwa Lungu to Zambia and the handling of his status must be revisited, starting with the failure of the President to formally address the nation on the matter,” Tembo said. 

“There was an initial agreement between the government and the ECL family, which was later abrogated. This shows a pattern of insincerity.”

Tembo noted that three government officials, including President Hichilema, attempted to address the matter, but none denied the family’s claim that the agreement had been breached.

“When a government willingly enters into an agreement and then unilaterally violates it—and refuses to admit or engage constructively—it becomes clear they lack the sincerity and goodwill to resolve the matter amicably,” he said. 

“There’s no point in continuing to appeal to their conscience. We can’t force reconciliation or engagement with a government that does not uphold its own agreements.”

Addressing recent speculation of internal divisions, Lubinda said: “Our position, as the Patriotic Front, has always been guided by principle. We've had meetings, like this one, to reflect—but the challenge is that no one can point to a single PF member who has acted out of line.”

“So what exactly is this 'group' that some people are referring to? We are being accused unfairly. No one among us has incited division or stirred up confusion for political gain. The decisions made have been united, in respect of the family. Those trying to divide us only bring discouragement to the nation.”

He added that the issue at hand was not about alliance conflict but about honouring the clear wishes of the deceased and his family. 

“If a man, on his deathbed, says, ‘I don’t want this person to come near my body,’ are we to ignore that? Maybe it was divine inspiration or a spiritual conviction. Either way, it must be respected,” Lubinda said.

“President Lungu himself had deep concerns. He confided in people. Many were aware of this. How do I know? Because I was close to him.”

Wright Musoma, leader of the Zambia Republican Party, reinforced this point, saying the government could not be trusted to honour its commitments.

“The people—especially the women—know this government. It is not a government that can be trusted to uphold its own word,” Musoma said. “Trying to reason with such a government is not only futile but also risky for anyone’s public service record or standing.”

Musoma added that while some well-meaning individuals are still attempting to persuade the Lungu family to reconsider their decision, such efforts are unlikely to bear fruit. 

“This government will simply continue doing what it does best: violating agreements and operating in bad faith.”

Also speaking at the briefing, New Congress Party (NCP) President Peter Chanda emphasized the moral obligation to respect President Lungu’s final wishes.

“Let me say this very clearly: there is no law that says the President must personally attend a burial. If necessary, he could have delegated the task to a neutral representative,” Chanda said. 

“The last wishes of President Lungu must be respected.”

He criticized what he described as political hypocrisy, noting the mistreatment of the former president and his family during his life. 

“We all know how much former President Lungu was publicly attacked and insulted. His wife, Madam Esther Lungu, was dragged through the courts. When she was unwell, no one offered compassion. That would have been the humane thing to do.”

Citing biblical precedent, Chanda added: “Even the Bible is clear. In the book of Deuteronomy, God Himself defended the body of Moses. The burial site of Moses remains unknown—because God wanted to preserve his dignity. President Lungu was not just a politician—he had prophetic insight. He was a man of love.”

“What hurts,” he continued, “is hearing politicians now giving glowing tributes when they disrespected him while he was alive. Some stripped him of his benefits. If they had been honest when he was alive, perhaps he would still be with us today.”

“Our position is simple: We respect the family’s wishes. We respect the wishes of former President Lungu himself. The government should have simply honoured that—even if it meant sending a neutral representative.”

Lubinda also responded to President Hichilema’s address on June 19, in which the Head of State announced the end of the national mourning period. 

He said the president’s remarks failed to address the family’s allegations and the breached agreement.

He clarified that while the original seven-day mourning period ended on June 17, the extended 90-day period was discretionary and revocable. 

However, he said it was the government’s conduct that made the South African burial inevitable.

The Tonse Alliance has since called on the government to facilitate the travel of Zambians who wish to attend the funeral abroad. 

Lubinda added that the Alliance is making its own arrangements to support mourners, with details to be released soon.

In conclusion, Lubinda urged the nation to mourn in peace and unity.

“We urge all Zambians to mourn peacefully and avoid any actions that may escalate tensions,” he said. 

“Let us honour President Lungu not just in words but by respecting his final wishes.”

President Edgar Chagwa Lungu served as Zambia’s sixth president from 2015 to 2021.

For more updates, follow Francis Maingaila on X: @The GOAT Media Centre