Respected lawyer and family spokesperson Makebi Zulu has reiterated that the family of the late former Republican President Edgar Chagwa Lungu is ready to engage in discussions with the government regarding his burial. However, he stressed that such engagements must be centered on ensuring a dignified and honorable send-off befitting the status of the country’s sixth president.
Zulu, speaking in an interview following recent developments surrounding the funeral arrangements, made it clear that the Lungu family is not opposed to dialogue with state authorities. Instead, they are seeking clarity, respect, and mutual understanding on what will constitute a proper burial for the former Head of State.
According to Zulu, the family has remained steadfast in prayer and is drawing strength from spiritual counselling during what he described as a very difficult time. “The family is strong, but of course, these are trying moments. They are holding up amidst the difficult circumstances and leaning heavily on prayer,” Zulu explained.
Government Position on the Burial
The funeral of President Lungu, who passed away after leaving a significant mark on Zambia’s political history, has not been without controversy. Questions around burial arrangements, location, and procedures have triggered public debate and media speculation.
In response to the rising concerns, government recently appointed the Secretary to the Cabinet, Mr. Patrick Kangwa, as the sole spokesperson to address all issues surrounding Lungu’s burial. This decision was aimed at streamlining communication and avoiding confusion that may arise from multiple voices speaking on the matter.
By placing authority in the hands of the Secretary to Cabinet, the state signaled its intention to handle the burial with order and consistency. However, the Lungu family, through their spokesperson, has indicated that while they respect the government’s stance, they expect genuine engagement that will respect the wishes of the family and the legacy of the late president.
A Call for Dignity
In his remarks, Zulu emphasized that the crux of the matter lies in ensuring dignity for President Lungu’s send-off. He noted that the former president was not only a national leader but also a father, husband, and relative whose memory must be preserved in a manner that brings honor both to his immediate family and to the nation at large.
“The issue at hand is about dignity. The family will not participate in any arrangement that does not constitute a dignified send-off. That is non-negotiable,” Zulu stated.
He further explained that a dignified send-off means more than ceremonial arrangements; it entails a burial process that respects cultural, familial, and national considerations. In Zambia, funerals are not only family matters but also carry deep cultural significance, especially for national figures such as former heads of state.
The Weight of Legacy
President Edgar Lungu served as the sixth President of the Republic of Zambia, taking over leadership after the passing of President Michael Sata in 2014 and later securing his own mandate in the 2015 and 2016 general elections. His tenure was marked by both achievements and challenges, and his departure from active politics left behind a legacy that continues to evoke diverse opinions among Zambians.
For the Lungu family, the burial is not just about interring their loved one, but also about ensuring that his contributions, struggles, and sacrifices are recognized in the manner of his farewell. A dignified burial, they argue, will stand as a testament to his years of service and his place in Zambia’s political history.
Family’s Readiness to Engage
Despite the difficulties and sensitivities surrounding the matter, Zulu confirmed that the family is ready to sit down with government representatives to iron out outstanding issues. However, he placed a caveat: such discussions must be anchored in sincerity and respect.
“The family is willing to dialogue with government, but that dialogue has to be based on genuineness. It is not about speaking for the sake of speaking. It is about ensuring that at the end of the day, what is agreed upon truly reflects a dignified send-off for the former president,” he said.
This position underscores the importance the family places on transparency and mutual trust during negotiations with state officials.
Navigating a Sensitive Moment
National funerals, especially those of former presidents, often bring together different interests—family, government, political parties, and the wider public. Balancing these interests while maintaining respect for the deceased can be a delicate task.
In Zambia’s history, state funerals have often served as moments of national unity, with citizens putting aside political divisions to honor the departed leader. However, when disagreements arise—whether on burial site, protocol, or representation—they can also expose underlying tensions between state authorities and families.
Zulu’s call for genuineness and dignity can therefore be seen as a plea for harmony. The Lungu family is not seeking confrontation but rather assurance that the burial will reflect both the family’s wishes and the nation’s gratitude.
Standing Firm Amid Challenges
The lawyer and family spokesperson also revealed that the family’s resilience is being tested but their faith has been a source of comfort. “They are holding on to prayer and spiritual guidance. This has helped them navigate the grief while also facing the pressures of public scrutiny and speculation,” he noted.
Grief, he said, is deeply personal, but for a family whose loved one was a public figure, it inevitably becomes entangled with national interest. As such, the family is striving to maintain strength and composure, even as they engage with both sympathizers and critics.
Looking Ahead
As the nation awaits clarity on the final arrangements for President Lungu’s burial, all eyes remain on the dialogue between the government and the family. The outcome of these discussions will not only determine the details of the funeral but also set a tone for how Zambia continues to honor its former leaders.
For many citizens, a dignified send-off for President Lungu is not merely a family demand but a national obligation. It reflects the country’s respect for leadership and the value it places on unity during moments of loss.
Zulu concluded his remarks with a note of hope, expressing optimism that the engagements with government will yield positive results. “We are hopeful that the discussions will be fruitful. What we want is very simple: a dignified send-off for the late president. That is what he deserves, and that is what the nation deserves,” he said.
The passing of President Edgar Lungu has placed Zambia in a reflective mood, bringing into focus not only his legacy but also the values of respect, unity, and dignity in moments of national mourning. The Lungu family’s insistence on a dignified burial underscores the delicate balance between personal grief and public duty.
As conversations between the family and government progress, the emphasis on genuineness, respect, and dignity will remain central. For now, the family continues to rely on prayer and faith while the nation watches closely, awaiting the final farewell to a leader who shaped Zambia’s political landscape in his own way.
