Tensions Rise as Late Zambia President Lungu Bars Hichilema from Viewing His Body

The late former President of Zambia, Edgar Lungu, reportedly left instructions before his death barring current President Hakainde Hichilema from viewing or approaching his body in any capacity.

The revelation has emerged during ongoing funeral arrangements following Lungu’s death last week. According to sources close to the family, the directive reflects long-standing political tensions between the two leaders.

Government involvement in Lungu’s funeral has been restricted. The Zambian authorities were denied access to repatriate the body from South Africa last Wednesday, due to unresolved disagreements between Lungu’s family and the state.

The strained relationship between the two dates back to 2017 when Hichilema, then an opposition leader, was arrested under Lungu’s administration after a confrontation over presidential motorcade protocol. Lungu, during his retirement, also faced travel restrictions, a situation some believe contributed to delays in receiving timely medical treatment abroad.

As funeral plans continue, it remains uncertain whether Lungu will receive full state honors, a right typically accorded to former heads of state.