The family of former President Edgar Chagwa Lungu has announced that his body will lie in state at his Lusaka residence in Chifwema before burial.
Family spokesperson Makebi Zulu shared the update during a joint press briefing with government officials in South Africa on Sunday, June 15.
Mr. Zulu said the family will bring the former President’s body from South Africa to Zambia on Wednesday, June 18. A private charter, sponsored by well-wishers, will transport the remains. Several family members will accompany the flight.
Military personnel will receive the body with full honors at the airport. The funeral procession will then move to the family home in Chifwema.
From Thursday to Saturday, members of the public can pay their last respects at Mulungushi International Conference Centre.
The state will host a national funeral at the same venue on Sunday, June 22. Leaders from within Zambia and abroad are expected to attend.
Mr. Zulu also outlined the rest of the program. It includes a valedictory ceremony at the Supreme Court grounds and a church service at the Show Grounds. Archbishop Alick Banda will lead the service.
After each event, the funeral team will return the body to the residence.
The final burial site remains undecided. The government and the family are still discussing whether the former President will be laid to rest at Embassy Park or at his private home.
Secretary to the Cabinet Patrick Kangwa confirmed that President Hakainde Hichilema will lead the funeral proceedings.
To honor the late President, President Hichilema has extended the national mourning period to Monday, June 23, 2025.
President Edgar Lungu served as Zambia’s sixth Head of State from 2015 to 2021.
