ECL Burial Dispute Not a Victory or Defeat

Hikaumba urges national reflection on sovereignty, dignity and unity after Lungu burial ruling

By Francis Maingaila ♥️
Lusaka, Zambia24  ---(June 24, 2026) — The burial dispute involving former President Edgar Lungu should not be viewed as a political victory or defeat, but as a moment for the nation to reflect on whether it has remained faithful to its traditions, dignity and respect for national institutions.

Former Zambia Congress of Trade Unions (ZCTU) president Leonard Hikaumba told Zambia24 that the protracted legal battle over the late former president's burial had raised fundamental questions about Zambia's sovereignty, values and national identity.

He argued that the matter transcended partisan politics and should instead serve as an opportunity for collective national introspection on the country's traditions, dignity and unity.

Hikaumba said the dispute surrounding the burial of the Sixth Republican President had evolved beyond personalities and political contestation, touching on issues of national dignity and the legacy Zambia intends to leave for future generations.

"The matter surrounding the burial rights of former President Edgar Lungu was never about President Hakainde Hichilema. It was, and still remains, about Zambia's sovereignty — our values, our traditions, our dignity and the legacy we shall leave behind," Hikaumba said.

His remarks come in the wake of the South African appellate court's decision that effectively upheld the wishes of the family of late President Edgar Chagwa Lungu regarding burial arrangements, bringing months of legal contestation between the family and the Zambian Government to a close.

Hikaumba questioned what Zambia had gained from the prolonged dispute, arguing that the outcome should prompt citizens and leaders alike to reflect on whether the country had emerged stronger, more united or more respected.

"For those celebrating the outcome, especially those who believe they have scored a political victory, what exactly have they won? Have they strengthened our democracy? Have they protected our national dignity and sovereignty? Have they brought unity to our people?" he asked.

He said African cultural values emphasize respect for the dead and dignity during periods of disagreement, warning that the controversy had exposed deep political divisions in the country.

"A nation is judged not only by how it treats its living leaders, but also by how it treats those who have passed on," he said.

Hikaumba further argued that the dispute had turned the remains of a former Head of State into a political battleground, a development he described as contrary to Zambia's traditions and aspirations.

"It is painful that some people have allowed politics to become so deep-rooted that even the body of a former leader has become a battlefield. That is not the Zambia we should be building," he said.

He called for greater political maturity and urged citizens to distinguish political competition from matters of humanity and national interest.

According to Hikaumba, the controversy should serve as a reminder of the need for leadership grounded in integrity, restraint and a commitment to national unity.

He also expressed concern that actions taken during the dispute risked damaging Zambia's reputation and the values it had cultivated over generations.

"History will not only record what happened in South Africa. It will ask where Zambians were when their values were tested," he said.

Looking ahead, Hikaumba urged the Government to establish clear legislation governing the burial of former presidents to prevent similar disputes in the future.

"Dependence on case law alone is not sufficient. There should be concise legislation to deal with matters associated with burial protocols of former presidents. In that way, we shall insulate ourselves against similar occurrences in future," he said.

He concluded by calling for national healing and reconciliation, urging Zambians to choose unity over division and to place the country's interests above political differences.