Zambian President Hakainde Hichilema's administration has announced that it will not pursue any further legal action over the burial of the late Sixth Republican President, Edgar Lungu, effectively bringing an end to a year-long, high-profile legal battle between the Zambian government and the former leader’s family.
In a press statement issued by the Office of the Attorney General on June 23, 2026, the government acknowledged the latest ruling by the Supreme Court of Appeal of South Africa, which affirmed the family's right to bury the former president in South Africa.
The Attorney General, Muhlo D. Kabesha, SC, stated that while the government holds a differing view on the matter, it has chosen to respect the court’s final decision.
"Although we disagree with today's judgment, we will not be taking this matter any further," the statement read. "We will not be exercising our right to appeal to the Constitutional Court of South Africa. In line with the judgment today, this is now a private matter for the Lungu family."
The dispute originated shortly after Lungu’s death in Pretoria on June 5, 2025. While the Zambian government sought to honor the former head of state with a traditional state funeral and burial at the presidential grounds at Embassy Park in Lusaka—consistent with the handling of previous presidents—his family maintained a firm stance on a private burial.
For the past year, the remains of the late president have been at the center of a complex legal tug-of-war, with courts in both nations hearing various applications. The government had consistently argued that the state had a duty to honor the office of the presidency in line with established national customs.
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Citing the burials of former presidents such as Levy Mwanawasa, Frederick Chiluba, Michael Sata, Kenneth Kaunda, and Rupiah Banda, the Attorney General emphasised that the government’s efforts were "held in utmost good faith" to ensure the Sixth President received a dignity-appropriate farewell among his own people.
However, the family’s legal challenge centred on the late president’s personal wishes, with court records noting Lungu's apprehension regarding his political rival, Hichilema, and his desire to avoid state-involved funeral proceedings.
With this final legal development, the government has signaled an end to its intervention in the funeral arrangements.
Hichilema's administration reiterated its condolences to the Lungu family and encouraged all Zambians to reflect on the late president's contributions to the nation.
"President Lungu served this nation from 2015 to 2021, and his place in our history is firmly secure," the statement concluded.
"We thank him for his service to the nation, and encourage all Zambians to remember his contribution with respect."
The conclusion of the legal battle allows the Lungu family to proceed with their private burial arrangements in South Africa, marking the close of a contentious period in Zambian political and legal history.
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