The family of former Zambian President Edgar Lungu has accused the state of overreach in handling his burial, insisting that “it is not for the government to determine how a family should mourn their loved one,” according to family Spokesperson Makebi Zulu.

His remarks come as uncertainty continues to cloud the final resting place of the former president, nearly a year after his death, amid an escalating legal dispute over control of his remains.

The standoff follows a High Court ruling in Pretoria, South Africa (SA) last August, which authorised the Zambian government to repatriate Lungu’s body for a state funeral. The family has since challenged the decision, arguing that it strips them of their burial rights.

Zulu said the appeal process at SA’s Supreme Court of Appeal collapsed after deadlines lapsed under what he described as a jointly agreed expedited timetable between legal teams. He claims the arrangement was later disregarded by the state.

He further alleged that Zambian authorities, supported by South African police, moved to enforce the original ruling despite ongoing legal processes and without full consultation with the family.

“The family was not properly informed of what was happening. We only acted once the situation escalated,” he said.

Zulu confirmed that the High Court has since issued an interim order halting further action and instructing all parties to return before court, with the possibility of contempt proceedings now being considered.

At the centre of the dispute is a broader legal question over whether the state can assume authority over the burial of a former head of state, or whether those rights remain with the family.

While the Zambian government maintains that national protocol applies in such cases, the family insists there is no legal basis removing their rights.

Zulu also pointed to past international examples where families were allowed to decide burial arrangements for former leaders, arguing that similar respect should be afforded in this case.

–ChannelAfrica–