Nevers Mumba ask to Lungu family to bring back former president’s body

MMD president and clergyman Dr. Nevers Mumba has made a heartfelt request to the family of the late former President Edgar Chagwa Lungu, asking them to think again about their plans to bury him outside of Zambia.

In a touching statement, Dr. Mumba urged the Lungu family to return the remains of the late leader to Zambia, saying that the country which gave him its highest position should also be where he rests in peace.

“As a nation, we have always solved our national issues through conversation, as a Christian country. It’s not too late to settle this matter peacefully,” Dr. Mumba said.

“Please bring back the body of the President to the land where he was born. The land that honored him by making him President. The land he fought for until his last breath.”

Dr. Mumba warned that burying President Lungu in another country would create a “permanent breach” not just of his legacy, but also of the dignity of the Lungu family and the unity of the nation.

“There is no reason at all to go ahead with this permanent breach against his legacy, the Lungu family’s legacy, and Zambia’s legacy. This would be a betrayal of his memory, without a doubt,” he stated.

The former Vice President highlighted that President Lungu, who was Zambia’s sixth Republican President from 2015 to 2021, was still loved by many people.

“He was a free man. Loved by many Zambians and should not be buried like a refugee in a foreign land. There is no anger about his return—only love and hope,” he continued.

“I ask you. We ask you,” Dr. Mumba pleaded.

He also encouraged the Lungu family to seek God’s help and use this moment as an opportunity for national healing and coming together.

“Let’s use this time to call on God’s grace to come together as a nation. Let’s not waste this loss by turning it into something negative, but let’s use it to unite us.