The Zambian Government has announced that it will not appeal against the ruling of the Supreme Court of Appeal of South Africa regarding the burial of former President Edgar Lungu.
Attorney General Mulilo Kabesha said although Government disagrees with the judgment, it has decided not to take the matter to South Africa’s Constitutional Court and will therefore not exercise its right to appeal.
Mr. Kabesha stated that, following the ruling, the matter has now become a private issue for the Lungu family, who are free to proceed with their preferred burial arrangements in South Africa.
He explained that Government’s position over the past year had been guided by a desire to honour Zambia’s Sixth Republican President in accordance with established national precedent concerning former Heads of State.
According to the Attorney General, Zambia has over the years developed a clear tradition regarding the burial of former Presidents at Embassy Park.
He cited several examples, including the burial of former President Levy Mwanawasa in 2008. Mr. Kabesha noted that despite Mwanawasa expressing a wish to be buried at his farm in Palabana, Government resolved that he should be laid to rest at Embassy Park to allow Zambians to honour him in a central and accessible location.
He also referenced the burials of former Presidents Frederick Chiluba in 2011, Michael Sata in 2014, Kenneth Kaunda in 2021, and Rupiah Banda in 2022, all of whom were buried at Embassy Park with full military honours.
Mr. Kabesha further noted that in Dr. Kaunda’s case, family members sought legal intervention to have him buried alongside his late wife, but the courts upheld burial at Embassy Park in what was considered the national interest.
The Attorney General said Government had hoped to accord Mr. Lungu similar honours and provide an opportunity for millions of Zambians to mourn and remember him in their homeland.
However, he acknowledged that the Lungu family has chosen to proceed with burial arrangements in South Africa following the court’s ruling.
Mr. Kabesha added that Zambia has consistently supported the repatriation of citizens and prominent figures who die abroad, citing recent cooperation between Zambia and South Africa in returning liberation heroes and nationals to their home countries for burial.
He stressed that Government’s efforts to repatriate former President Lungu were motivated by the same principle.
The Attorney General extended Government’s condolences to the Lungu family and thanked the late President for his service to the nation.
He also noted that President Hakainde Hichilema declared and later extended a period of national mourning following Mr. Lungu’s death.
Mr. Kabesha concluded by urging Zambians to remember the former President with dignity and respect, stating that his contribution to Zambia’s history remains firmly secured.
