Online Reporter
Farai Dauramanzi
Echo Editor
Zambian President Hakainde Hichilema has spoken about former President Edgar Lungu’s funeral plans, drawing a parallel with African traditions.
Dr Lungu served as the sixth President of Zambia from 26 January 2015 to 24 August 2021.
He died on June 5 while receiving treatment at a South African hospital and is yet to be buried.
On June 25, a South African court halted plans to bury President Lungu at a private ceremony in that country after the Zambian government had filed an urgent case in the Pretoria High Court seeking to stop the burial that had been planned by his family.
“From what we see, what we read, they are handling the funeral in a manner African funerals must be handled,” President Hichilema said, “To respect the dead, to bury them with dignity.”
He referenced the example of former Nigerian President Muhammadu Buhari who passed away in London but was brought back home for burial.
“We too have shown that example by burying all five (former leaders) who passed away near here,” President Hichilema said, gesturing to a location just behind him.
“I think it’s just behind, isn’t it? Near here, all five. So we’ve established a tradition, protocols, in line with African culture.”
He emphasised the importance of adhering to this cultural practice despite any challenges or difficulties that may arise.
“So we must continue with that culture, no matter what challenges, what difficulties there are,” he stated firmly.
President Hichilema also mentioned that discussions with the Lungu family are ongoing, albeit quietly.
“We’ve continued engaging the family quietly, because that’s what it should be.”
Peter Tanyanyiwa