By Kapya Kaoma,
With Pretoria courts granting the Lungu family the right to appeal over former President Edgar Lungu’s body, President Hakainde Hichilema faces a defining test of statesmanship. He should seize it by announcing that the Zambian government will withdraw its case and allow the burial to proceed according to the family’s wishes. Such a decision would not only preserve political credibility but also send a clear message–Zambia remains a nation guided by compassion, restraint, and human dignity.
The prolonged legal battle has yielded no meaningful public benefit. Instead, it inflicts moral and reputational damage—especially on President Hichilema. With Tasila Lungu already losing her parliamentary seat, the continued pursuit of the matter appears punitive rather than principled. Whether or not this perception is fair, it is real. Many Zambians now view the President as unkind toward his predecessor—a perception no legal argument can erase. Advisors may downplay it, but public sentiment cannot stay fooled forever. People remember.
Every leader fights battles; wisdom lies in knowing when to stop. The moment has come to let go and allow the most basic human act–letting the family bury their dead in peace. There is nothing left to gain by litigating abroad when the family has made clear it will not bend. Compromise here is not weakness—it is moral leadership.
President Hichilema must recognize that this conflict is no longer personal. He represents the people of Zambia, not his own grievances or legacy. The family’s request that he stay away from the funeral is not an attempt to exclude the state. Zambia’s institutions are larger than any individual and can be represented without controversy or drama.
This approach has precedent. In other democracies, state dignity has been preserved even when political tensions required leaders to keep their distance from private funerals. In the United States, for example, President Donald Trump did not attend former Vice President Dick Cheney’s funeral in November 2025, despite years of political and personal antagonism. The occasion proceeded with solemnity, attended by senior officials and former leaders, and the nation paid its respects without spectacle. Zambia can do the same. President Hichilema’s absence would not weaken the nation—it could strengthen it by removing tension and allowing the focus to remain on mourning and closure.
In the spirit of Christmas—a season of mercy, reconciliation, and humility—I appeal to our Christian President to announce that the government will no longer contest the Pretoria case and that Edgar Lungu’s body will be returned to Zambia. Endless battles, especially against the dead, do not elevate leaders; they diminish them.
History rewards those who choose grace over grievance. President Hichilema is bigger than this moment. Let Edgar Lungu rest in Zambia. Step back if necessary. Let the nation mourn, heal, and move forward.
Mr. President, please give us Lungu’s body as a Christmas “Box.”
Why do people keep going to the US for examples? In the US, it is not a President who refused to have the incumbent attend his funeral. Dick Cheney was not a president. Jimmy Carter, Gerald Ford, George H Bush Sr, Ronald Reagan have all had all presidents attends their state funerals. I bet you even when Biden goes, Trump will have to attend, in spite of the bile between them. Where the military officiates, its commander-in-chief must be present. I am also intrigued that so called Christians, can allow a man to go to his grave with bitter hatred and un forgiveness!
Remember on Edgar’s eligibility courts referred to some country’s constitution so why not on his burial?
Trump will go before Biden
Atase, Lungu’s body is decomposed and stinking, who wants to be near such a health hazard ?