LUSAKA- Zambia’s former President Edgar Lungu will be laid to rest in South Africa following a disagreement between his family and the Zambian government over his funeral arrangements.

Lungu, 68, died earlier this month in a South African hospital after a prolonged illness. His family has opted against repatriating his remains, citing the need for a private burial and tensions with the administration of President Hakainde Hichilema.

Makebi Zulu, a lawyer and spokesperson for the Lungu family, confirmed the decision, saying it reflects the family’s desire for a “private ceremony” away from political interference.

“We would especially like to extend our sincere appreciation to the Government of the Republic of South Africa for their respectful support,” said Zulu.

President Hichilema, who had previously declared a 16-day national mourning period, announced on Thursday that the official mourning would end prematurely.

“Our country cannot afford a state of indefinite mourning,” he said in a televised address. “We have done everything possible to engage the family… a clear decision has to be made.”

He also issued an apology to South African authorities for any inconvenience caused by the burial arrangements.

Lungu served as Zambia’s sixth president from 2015 until his electoral defeat in 2021 to Hichilema. The two were long-standing political adversaries, with tensions reaching a peak in 2017 when Hichilema was arrested and charged with treason under Lungu’s administration.

In his later years, Lungu alleged that the current government targeted him with political harassment, including limitations on his travel—claims the authorities denied. Despite stepping down from office, he continued to wield significant influence in Zambian politics in the lead-up to the 2026 general elections.