Lungu, who served as Zambia’s head of state from 2015 to 2021, died earlier this month at a hospital in Pretoria, South Africa. His death triggered both public mourning and political tension over the handling of his final rites.

According to his family, the late president had left instructions that current President Hakainde Hichilema should not attend or come near his remains. However, Lungu’s party, the Patriotic Front (PF), has confirmed that a compromise has been reached.

In a statement, the PF said Lungu’s body will lie in state at his residence beginning Thursday. Despite the earlier resistance, President Hichilema is expected to preside over the official funeral proceedings. The burial has been scheduled for Monday, 23 June.

The announcement is expected to bring some closure to both Lungu’s supporters and the wider Zambian public, many of whom had been awaiting clarity on the funeral arrangements.

--ChannelAfrica--