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LAZ Calls for Legislation to Govern State Funerals in Zambia

Chief Editor
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LAZ Calls for Legislation to Govern State Funerals in Zambia

The Law Association of Zambia (LAZ) has expressed its sorrow at the passing of Zambia’s sixth Republican President, Dr. Edgar Chagwa Lungu, who died on 5th June 2025 in South Africa. The Association stated that it joins the rest of the nation in mourning the late former Head of State.

According to a statement issued by LAZ, the President of the Association, accompanied by Council Members, visited Belvedere Lodge in Lusaka on 11th June 2025 to pay their respects and sign the book of condolences.

The Association said Dr. Lungu was a senior member of the legal profession who had been entrusted with the highest responsibility in the country as President of the Republic of Zambia. LAZ emphasized that the late Dr. Lungu was no longer an ordinary citizen and deserved to be honoured with a full state funeral.

LAZ observed that there is no existing legislation to guide the country in balancing private family interests with national protocol in such situations. However, it argued that in the absence of such legislation, the status of Dr. Lungu as a former Head of State warranted the highest honour that the country could bestow. The Association referred to judicial comments made in the case The People v. The Secretary to the Cabinet, Ex Parte Kaweche Kaunda, 2021/HP/0768, where the court reportedly observed that a former President is not an ordinary person and is therefore entitled to a state funeral.

LAZ further stated that while the family of the late President is a key stakeholder in the funeral arrangements and their concerns must be respected, the State also has an essential role to play. It noted that the citizens of Zambia have a legitimate interest in mourning and honouring a former Head of State, and that such moments call for national unity.

The Association urged the family of the late Dr. Lungu to allow the State funeral protocol to take its full course. It said that President Hakainde Hichilema, in whom executive power is vested, should be permitted to oversee the funeral arrangements on behalf of all citizens. LAZ added that, under the Constitution, only the President has the authority to confer the nation’s highest honours.

Additionally, LAZ called on the Government to enact legislation that clearly outlines procedures for state funerals, noting that the current situation had exposed gaps in the legal framework. It said that such legislation would help the nation manage similar situations more effectively in the future.

The Association indicated that its statement was being issued in the public interest and in accordance with its mandate under Section 4 of the Law Association of Zambia Act, Chapter 31 of the Laws of Zambia.

Is Zambian Economy showing Recovery Signs?

Chief Editor
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Is Zambian Economy showing Recovery Signs?

Stanbic Bank Purchasing Manager index (PMI) Soars to 51.4 in May 2025.

By Mwansa Chalwe Snr

Over the past six months, from December 2024 to May 2025, some economic experts and keen observers of the Zambian economy  have suggested that they have observed early indicators of an economic recovery especially after the credible Stanbic Bank Purchasing Manager Index which measures Private Sector Business confidence and activity soared to 51.4 points in May, the highest since December 2021.This piece aims to independently examine whether there is credible evidence to support this claim.

CREDIT RATING UPGRADE

In April 2025, Moody’s – the credit rating agency-significantly upgraded Zambia’s credit rating from stable to positive. Moody’s cited Zambia’s economic reforms, including debt restructuring agreements and revenue mobilization which have contributed to improved fiscal stability. The rating upgrade is expected to boost investor confidence and make Zambia more attractive to both domestic and international investors.
Zambia’s economic expert and commentator, Dr. Lubinda Haabazoka welcomed the credit rating upgrade and argued that there are economic benefits that may accrue to the country.
“A positive outlook can also lower borrowing costs. As investor confidence rises, Zambia may benefit from reduced interest rates on loans and bonds, which is key as the country continues its debt restructuring efforts,” Haabazoka told Zambian Monitor. “Finalizing these agreements will solidify Zambia’s fiscal stability and demonstrate a commitment to sustainable debt management.”

STATUS OF KEY ECONOMIC INDICATORS

Since the beginning of 2025, most technical economic indicators have displayed a positive or stable trajectory. These include inflation, exchange rates, monetary policy rates and commercial bank rates as well as gross international reserves.
To highlight a few, inflation has dropped from a high of 16.7 % in December,2024 to 15.3% in May; the Bank of Zambia at its recent meeting kept the Monetary Policy rate at 14.5%, which decision was lauded by the Economic Association of Zambia (EAZ).
“By holding the policy rate steady, the Bank has provided a level of predictability for economic agents, thereby supporting business planning and reducing uncertainty in the credit market. This also allows the economy to absorb and adjust to the cumulative effects of previous tightening cycles without imposing additional constraints on Private sector activity and investment,” EAZ statement released by its President Dr. Oswald Mungule said.
The Zambian kwacha has appreciated in the last six months and half months. It has strengthened by 13.4% against the US dollar between 31st December 2024 and 14 June 2025, from K28.9960 to K25.1110. This was driven by a combination of global US dollar weakness, increased capital inflows from foreign portfolio investors attracted by Zambia’s improving macroeconomic stability, and inflows from mining tax revenues. However, analysts caution that this appreciation does not necessarily signal deeper structural reforms in the economy, given ongoing vulnerabilities such as heavy import reliance and insufficient export diversification. 

Supporting the kwacha’s stability has been Zambia’s Gross International Reserves (GIR) which rose to $4.5 billion as of 31st March 2025, up by $200 million from the end of December 2024. This reserve cushion, equivalent to 4.6 months of import cover, has played a critical role in bolstering financial stability and sustaining investor confidence.

PRIVATE SECTOR ACTIVITY AND ECONOMIC GROWTH

The Stanbic Bank Purchasing Managers’ Index (PMI) is a monthly survey tracking private sector activity. A reading above 50.0 indicates improved business conditions, while a figure below 50.0 signals deterioration. Over the past six months (December 2024 to May 2025), readings remained above 50.0, except for March 2025.
In May 2025 PMI posted a reading of 51.4, up from 50.9 in April, to signal back-to-back improvements in business conditions across the Zambian private sector. The latest upturn was the highest since May,2023. This growth was driven by increased output and new orders, supported by stronger customer demand and improved business confidence.
“Zambian business conditions improved the most in two years during May, with strong demand driving growth despite electricity shortages. New orders and employment increased, while firms kept selling price hikes moderate amid rising costs. Business confidence reached its highest level since December 2021,” Musenge Komaki, Head of Sales at Stanbic Bank commented on the result of the survey.

Despite facing a severe drought and an unprecedented energy crisis, Zambia’s economy expanded by 4.5% in 2024. This may have influenced the International Monetary Fund (IMF) growth rate forecasts for 2025 of 6.2% initially, and later at 5.8% in the 5th Review of Zambia’s Extended Credit facility (ECF) Program, while the Ministry of Finance and National Planning projects a slightly higher rate of 6.6%.

However, Economist and Development Finance Associates Senior Partner Trevor Hambayi, has disagreed with both the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and the Ministry of Finance and National Planning projections of GDP growth rate of over 6%, stating that the projected economic growth would not happen.

“There are a few factors that will be going against this assumption. I think we will be lucky to just get to around 4.5 or 5% GDP growth rate”, He told News Diggers in an interview.

Finance and National Planning Minister Dr. Situmbeko Musokotwane, on the other hand, has stood by his optimistic outlook despite the criticism.
“If in a year of severe drought we recorded four percent growth, why should we doubt that in 2025, with improved agricultural conditions and ongoing investments, we can achieve six percent?” Finance and National Planning Minister, Dr. Situmbeko Musokotwane said when launching new currency notes.
Based on the latest available metrics, and the expected improvements, it is quite possible that the GDP growth rate above 6% can be achieved due to the expected recovery of key production sectors such as agriculture, energy, tourism, and mining.
While challenges persist, the prevailing trends suggest Zambia’s economy is on a gradual recovery path—a view shared by this writer, and likely to be echoed by other objective financial experts and economists monitoring the country’s progress.

IMPACT ON HOUSEHOLDS 

Although key economic indicators have shown visible improvement, ordinary citizens have yet to fully experience the benefits in their daily lives. There is usually a lag between macroeconomic improvements and their real-world impact on people’s livelihoods. That said, fuel and meal prices have seen a modest drop, supported by the kwacha’s strengthening and a higher maize supply after a bumper harvest. 

According to the Zambia Statistics Agency, the national average price of a 25 kg bag of Breakfast Mealie Meal fell by 4.0% between April and May 2025, dropping from K358.86 to K344.41. Additionally, the Energy Regulations Board (ERB) announced a decrease in fuel prices for June 2025, the second consecutive month of reductions.
However, the Jesuit Centre for Theological Reflection (JCTR) reported that its Basic Needs and Nutrition Basket (BNNB) for May 2025 rose to K11,272.97, marking an increase of K571.84 compared to May 2024. This indicates that the cost of living remains high for most poor Zambians. 

TAX REVENUE MOBILIZATION

ZRA has implemented several aggressive tax reforms under IMF supervision to increase tax revenue. And they have been spectaculary successful. In 2020, ZRA collected K57.6billion but in 2024 revenue collection was K148.5 billion which is an extraordinary jump of 148%.
Critics, however, argue that the tax system remains unfair. They contend that ordinary Zambians shoulder the heaviest burden, while mining companies avoid paying their fair share due to excessive capital allowances. These allowances keep many mining firms in perpetual tax-loss positions, allowing them to evade corporate income tax entirely. 

Additionally, despite the mining sector only requesting royalty tax deductibility, the government went further by slashing royalty rates by 50% (from 6% to 3%), leading to significant revenue losses. This decision, critics say, prioritizes mining profits over public interest, depriving Zambia of much-needed funds for development. The IMF has even criticized these excessive tax incentives.

“Offering tax incentives narrows the tax base even further while the hope is that it will create higher growth. Research usually shows in both low income and developing countries that tax incentives have not been successful in attracting investment especially FDI,” Zambia’s IMF Resident Representative Eric Lautier, told this writer in a discussion on the successes and failures of Zambia’s IMF supported ECF program.

The Zambian authorities and the IMF ought to careful about the degree to which they take the domestic tax mobilization exercise especially when it is lopsided. They ought to take heed of advice from former British Prime Minister Winston Churchill, who famously expressed skepticism about excessive taxation in 1904, when he said, “For a nation to try to tax itself into prosperity is like a man standing in a bucket and trying to lift himself up by the handle.”

This quote highlights Churchill’s belief that excessive taxation can be detrimental to economic growth and a nation’s well-being. The overall point being that trying to solve economic problems through taxation alone is an ineffective and potentially harmful approach.

 CONCLUSION
While Zambia’s projected economic growth rate of 6.6% in 2025 is positive, it remains insufficient to create the millions of jobs for the youth and lift out of poverty. I have long argued that Zambia’s economic challenges can only be resolved through homegrown solutions and sustained double-digit growth rates of over 10%. A key strategy to achieve this is by transforming the country’s economic structure—specifically, by integrating a substantial portion of the informal sector into the formal economy.
This perspective is supported by empirical evidence and historical precedent, which demonstrate that no nation has ever achieved development with 80–90% of its economy operating informally—a situation Zambia currently faces. Formalizing a significant part of the informal sector is the only viable path to sustaining the high growth rates necessary for meaningful progress.

Currently, government economic planning and analysis focus primarily on the 10% of the economy that is formalized, leaving the vast informal sector unaccounted for. Therefore, I strongly call on the government and its Cooperating Partners to support the Private Sector-led Formalization Initiative led by the Zambia Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ZACCI). This initiative aligns with the ILO’s 2015 Recommendation No. 204 on formalization best practices, which emphasizes public-private partnerships as a critical driver of success.

The writer is a Chartered Accountant, Author, an independent financial analyst, and Economic Commentator.

Hichilema rises above Politics and Protocol to mourn his Predecessor with dignity

Lusaka Times Editor
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Hichilema rises above Politics and Protocol to mourn his Predecessor with dignity

Hichilema rises above Politics and Protocol to mourn his Predecessor with dignity

By Mukumbuta Mukumbuta | June 15, 2025

In what is being seen as a deeply unifying gesture, President Hakainde Hichilema has facilitated an agreement with the family of Zambia’s Sixth Republican President, Edgar Chagwa Lungu, on his repatriation and funeral arrangements.

Following President Lungu’s passing on June 5th, 2025, in South Africa, the Zambian government engaged in difficult but ultimately successful discussions with the Lungu family to ensure national unity at a time of mourning.

While many of the family’s requests diverged from state protocols, the President’s team were able to accommodate the majority of the former leader’s wishes.

In an act of magnanimity, President Hichilema has extended the national mourning period by nine full days, up to the 23rd June, the date of Lungu’s burial.

“This is a time for unity, not division,” said a senior government official involved in the process. “The President gave clear instructions that the family should be listened to, and that the State should act with empathy.”

Contrary to earlier claims, and misinformation on social media it has emerged that the Hichilema administration had officially supported Lungu’s travel to South Africa for medical care.

This was according to Secretary to the Cabinet Patrick Kangwa, who confirmed that he had corresponded with Professor Njovu, President Lungu’s personal physician, to offer assistance,

“Efforts were made, on record, to support the former President during his treatment,” the Cabinet Secretary affirmed at the joint press briefing. “This government never stood in the way of his care, contrary to public speculation.”

The fact that this revelation has come from the civil service and not the UPND demonstrates how purposeful the President has been in managing his party following the demise of a political opponent, who has left an unarguably divisive legacy.

The quiet and dignified approach of the President speaks volumes about his character: committed to justice, but never vengeful; principled, but never proud.

After days of negotiation, both the State and the family have agreed to a hybrid arrangement that preserves the late President Lungu’s dignity while upholding national protocol:

  • The body will be repatriated privately on 18th June with full military honours.
  • Public viewing will be held at Mulungushi International Conference Center from 19th to 21st June.
  • A State Funeral will take place on 22nd June, with foreign dignitaries expected.
  • A valedictory ceremony and church service will conclude the program on 23rd June.

Each evening, the body will be returned to Lungu’s Chifwema residence, reflecting a clear willingness by Government to respect the family’s wishes.

President Hichilema’s conduct throughout this process has not gone unnoticed. Political observers have lauded his restraint and statesmanship, noting that it takes uncommon grace to honour the very man who once stripped him of his liberty and dignity.

“In moments like this, you see the measure of a leader,” said political analyst Dr. Joseph Zulu. “President Hichilema could have insisted on protocol, but he chose healing. It’s remarkable.”

As the nation prepares to lay to rest its sixth Republican President, the message from Hichilema’s team has been clear: this is not the time for division or blame. It is a time for compassion, unity, and collective reflection.

Today, the national flag remains at half-mast at State House, as well as at President Hichilema’s residence, Community House.

At such a critical moment for the country, the symbolism could not be clearer.  By embracing the family of his former political foe in their moment of mourning, President Hichilema has shown he is a Statesman capable of leading our national Community with compassion.

On the 23rd of June, the country has an opportunity to emerge united and to move forward as One Zambia, One Nation once more.

Peace Prevails: State and Family Resolve Dispute to Honour President Lungu

Lusaka Times Editor
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Peace Prevails: State and Family Resolve Dispute to Honour President Lungu

Lusaka | 15 June 2025

In a usual Zambia’s enduring tradition of unity, the Government and the family of the late President Edgar Chagwa Lungu have reached an agreement on his funeral arrangements, bringing closure to a week-long impasse that had gripped the nation.

The resolution, quietly reached behind closed doors, was formally announced during a joint press briefing by Cabinet Secretary Patrick Kangwa and the Lungu family’s legal representative, Makebi Zulu. Their words carried the weight of a nation in mourning measured, respectful, yet undeniably significant. After days of careful discussions, both sides had found a way forward, ensuring the former President would be laid to rest with the dignity his office deserved.

Under the agreed plan, President Lungu’s body will return home from South Africa on Wednesday, 18th June, aboard a privately arranged flight. A full military honor guard will receive him at Kenneth Kaunda International Airport, after which his remains will be taken to his Chifwema residence, where he will lie in state each night throughout the mourning period.

The public will have three days, from 19th to 21st June, to pay their final respects at Mulungushi International Conference Center. A State Funeral, attended by foreign dignitaries, will follow on Sunday, 22nd June. The next day, a special valedictory session at the Supreme Court will honor his legal career, culminating in a final church service at Lusaka Showgrounds led by Archbishop Alec Banda.

The government has extended the period of national mourning until the burial on 23rd June—a decision personally approved by President Hakainde Hichilema in a gesture of compassion and solidarity. Officials emphasized that the negotiations were never about legal disputes, but solely about honoring Lungu’s wishes, including his desire for a private repatriation and specific clergy presiding over the service. While the sensitive issue of President Hichilema’s attendance was not explicitly addressed, the final agreement reflected mutual concessions in the interest of national harmony.

The government also took the opportunity to dispel rumors surrounding Lungu’s medical evacuation earlier this year. Kangwa clarified that the State had been formally notified in January by the late President’s physician, Professor Njovu, and had even offered logistical support, an offer the family respectfully declined. “At no point did the government obstruct his travel,” Kangwa stated firmly. “The records show we were prepared to assist.”

For their part, the Lungu family expressed deep gratitude to the Zambian people for their unwavering support and apologized for the delays caused by the negotiations. They acknowledged that their requests to take the body to Petauke and Kitwe could not be accommodated, urging mourners instead to attend the scheduled viewings in Lusaka. They also extended heartfelt thanks to the Patriotic Front, the Tonsi Alliance, and the clergy for standing with them during this difficult time.

A wide range of stakeholders played a role in bridging the divide former Vice President Enoch Kavindele, ex-Cabinet Secretary Leslie Mbula, His Royal Highness Chief Mumbi of Petauke, and Zambia’s diplomatic team in South Africa all contributed to the resolution. Foreign Affairs Minister Hon Haimbe was particularly commended for his early mediation efforts before returning to Lusaka to finalize the agreement.

The moment is poignant for a nation still coming to terms with the loss of its sixth President. Yet it also stands as a testament to the maturity of Zambia’s leadership. President Hichilema, despite a history of political rivalry with Lungu, ensured the process remained dignified and respectful. The Lungu family, in turn, prioritized national unity over personal grievances.

What could have escalated into a protracted dispute instead became a lesson in reconciliation. As Zambia prepares to bid farewell to President Lungu, it does so not in division, but in solemn unity, proving once again that even in grief, the nation’s spirit of togetherness endures.

Lungu’s Burial Date Set as State, Family Reach Agreement

Lusaka Times Editor
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Lungu’s Burial Date Set as State, Family Reach Agreement

Lungu’s Burial Date Set as State, Family Reach Agreement

After days of uncertainty and behind-the-scenes negotiations, the Government of Zambia and the family of the late former President Edgar Chagwa Lungu have reached an agreement on his burial arrangements.

According to a statement by the Patriotic Front (PF), President Lungu’s remains will be repatriated from South Africa on Wednesday, 18th June 2025, with the burial scheduled for Monday, 23rd June 2025.

President Lungu passed away on 5th June 2025 while undergoing medical treatment in South Africa. Since his death, discussions between the State and the Lungu family have reportedly centred on issues related to funeral protocols and burial rights.

In a brief announcement, the PF confirmed that the outstanding matters had been resolved, but did not provide further details. “The party can confirm that an agreement has been reached between the State and the family regarding the burial of our late leader,” the statement read.

President Lungu, who served as Zambia’s sixth Republican President from 2015 to 2021, will be accorded the respect due to a former Head of State, although final details on the funeral programme are still expected from government sources.

The announcement is likely to bring some closure to supporters and citizens across the country who have been waiting for clarity on the late President’s final journey.

Further updates are expected in the coming days.

Where Did We Go Wrong?

Chief Editor
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Where Did We Go Wrong?

By Gregory Mofu

Growing up in the 1990s, I witnessed Zambia stand tall as a beacon of peace—not just in the region, but across the African continent. Under the leadership of our then-president, Frederick Chiluba, Zambia played a central role in promoting dialogue, mediating conflicts, and hosting peace negotiations that shaped the course of nations.

Zambia was not just known as a peaceful country; it was the headquarters of peace in southern Africa. We watched with pride as our capital, Lusaka, hosted landmark agreements like the Lusaka Protocol, which brought together Angolan President Eduardo dos Santos and UNITA rebel leader Jonas Savimbi in a bid to end the protracted civil war in Angola. We also witnessed Congo’s newly installed president, Dr. Laurent-Désiré Kabila, sign peace accords with over 18 rebel groups—right here in Lusaka. These moments were not mere political events; they were affirmations of Zambia’s identity as a stabilizing force and an honest broker in times of crisis.

But something has changed.

Today, the story feels different. The confusion and political friction surrounding the funeral of our sixth Republican President, Dr. Edgar Chagwa Lungu, have left many wondering: Where did we go wrong?

I believe I have an answer—politics.

Politics have become divisive, toxic, and misunderstood. Somewhere along the way, we lost sight of the true spirit of democracy. Instead of embracing diversity of thought and opposition as pillars of a healthy system, we have allowed suspicion, bitterness, and mistrust to define our political interactions. Democracy was never meant to create enemies; it was meant to create space for conversation, accountability, and growth.

That’s why I was deeply encouraged by President Hakainde Hichilema’s recent address to the nation. His reminder that politics should not turn us into enemies is a necessary and timely message. It is a step in the right direction—and hopefully, a turning point.

When this moment of political tension and misunderstanding eventually passes—and it must—we must not return to business as usual. Instead, I strongly believe that President Hichilema should initiate a Commission on Peace, Reconciliation, and National Unity. Such a platform could allow Zambia to revisit its founding values, heal political wounds, foster mutual respect among stakeholders, and restore our nation’s rightful place as a beacon of peace in Africa.

We have done it before. We can do it again.

Don’t Let Lungu’s Burial Bury His Legacy

Chief Editor
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Don’t Let Lungu’s Burial Bury His Legacy

By Kapya Kaoma

When I heard that former President Edgar Lungu’s final wish was for President Hakainde Hichilema not to attend his funeral, my heart sank. Zambia is in mourning—not only for a former head of state, but for national unity. Instead, Lungu’s burial risks becoming another political battleground.

My prayerful appeal—especially to the Lungu family and the Patriotic Front (PF)—is this, “Do not let the bitterness of his final years bury the dignity of his legacy.”

In life, it’s often the final acts we remember most. In African culture, funerals can speak louder than a lifetime of public service. We must not allow the drama surrounding President Lungu’s burial to eclipse the memory of his immense contributions. He deserves to be remembered as the first Zambian president to meaningfully invest in national infrastructure. Whether future leaders will match his achievements remains to be seen.

To the Lungu family and PF faithful, I hear your pain. The wounds of political persecution, public vilification, and official silence are still fresh. But pain, when carried with dignity, can be transformative. Sometimes, offering an olive branch in your lowest moment isn’t weakness—it’s the highest form of strength.

Ironically, this funeral places President Hichilema and the UPND in a moral and political bind. If he offers praise, critics may call it “lies”—ahead of 2026. So why not let him face that discomfort publicly? Let the presence of mourning Zambians—grateful, grieving, and proud of Lungu—speak louder than any speech. Let Hichilema see, firsthand, the love people still carry for the man he once mocked and insulted. Let their silent tears become a moral rebuke and a great lesson all of us–leadership is appreciated by the ruled.

In many ways, the PF and the Lungu family now hold the moral high ground. Allowing President Hichilema to attend the funeral would not excuse his actions—it would expose them. It would say, with grace and resolve, “We are better than what was done to us. We are still here.”

I don’t want to excuse President Hichilema. He failed to treat his predecessor with the respect due a former head of state. But if we descend into tit-for-tat politics, we become the mirror image of what we claim to oppose.

I believe there is still time. Still time for the Lungus to reconsider their position. Still time for PF leaders to counsel from wisdom, not anger. There is, of course, still time for Zambians—regardless of party—to choose dignity, sympathy and unity over divisions.

Let’s avoid judging the Lungus too harshly. They are grieving a man who, despite public humiliation, remained committed to peace and democracy. They carry a burden of injustice. Perhaps, now is the time to lay that burden at the altar of national unity. Yet only God can give the grace to do it. Indeed, grace, when embraced, can change hearts.

It is important to note that President Hichilema would attend not as a friend, but as head of state. When Hichilema was inaugurated in 2021, President Lungu showed up—not out of admiration, but in respect for the people’s will. He stood with quiet dignity, even as he was mocked. He acknowledged Hichilema as Zambia’s president, despite never receiving the same recognition in return.

That selfless act of humility should likewise drive the HH administration to rise above partisanship—and perhaps even to apologize. Hichilema needs to hear the pain of the Lungu family. This is time to say, “I got it wrong. I am sorry.” Those aren’t words of weakness, but great marks of true leadership.

I would love to remember Edgar Lungu as a man of the people—humble, pragmatic, and relatable. His memory must not be erased by political vindictiveness over his burial. We cannot let today’s anger rewrite yesterday’s truth.

To the Lungus, may God comfort your hearts, and provide the strength to heal.

To the President and his administration, may you find the humility to listen—not only to criticism, but to the grief of the mourning family.

It is said, two wrongs don’t make a right. But grace in the face of grief? That can make history.

President Hichilema Sends Condolences to India Following Tragic Air India Flight AI 171 Crash

Chief Editor
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President Hichilema Sends Condolences to India Following Tragic Air India Flight AI 171 Crash

President Hakainde Hichilema has conveyed heartfelt condolences to Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the people of India following the catastrophic crash of Air India Flight AI 171 in Ahmedabad, which claimed the lives of 241 passengers and crew, along with several individuals on the ground.

In an official statement released by State House and shared via the President’s facebook page, President Hichilema expressed Zambia’s deep sorrow and solidarity with India during what he described as a “heartbreaking tragedy.”

“We extend our deepest condolences to His Excellency Narendra Modi, Prime Minister of the Republic of India, and to the people of India, following the tragic crash of Flight AI 171 yesterday in the city of Ahmedabad,” the statement read.

“Our thoughts and prayers are with the bereaved families, the injured, and all those affected by this devastating incident. The people of Zambia mourn with the people of India during this difficult time. May all the departed souls rest in eternal peace.”

The tragic crash occurred on Thursday, 12 June 2025, when Flight AI 171, en route from London to Ahmedabad, reportedly suffered catastrophic failure upon approach. Multiple sources, including The Times of India and NDTV, have reported that emergency response teams rushed to the scene, battling fires and rescuing survivors amid widespread destruction. The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has launched an investigation into the cause of the crash.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has since declared a national day of mourning and visited survivors in hospital, according to India Today.

Zambia and India share longstanding diplomatic ties, and President Hichilema’s message of condolence highlights the shared human loss that transcends national borders.

As both nations grieve, tributes continue to pour in from world leaders, humanitarian agencies, and the global aviation community.

Zimbabwe Stands with Zambia as Nation Mourns Late President Edgar Lungu

Chief Editor
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Zimbabwe Stands with Zambia as Nation Mourns Late President Edgar Lungu

Zimbabwe has extended a strong message of solidarity with Zambia as the nation mourns the passing of its sixth Republican President, Dr. Edgar Chagwa Lungu.

Zimbabwean Vice President Constantino Chiwenga, who delivered the message during a courtesy visit to State House, conveyed heartfelt condolences from President Emmerson Mnangagwa and the people of Zimbabwe to President Hakainde Hichilema and the Zambian nation.

Speaking during the meeting, President Hichilema reaffirmed his government’s commitment to a peaceful and inclusive approach in managing the funeral arrangements. He emphasised that the process is grounded in dialogue and mutual respect, rather than unilateral decisions.

“We are not using presidential authority to impose decisions. Instead, we are engaging in continuous dialogue with the former first family to ensure a consensus-driven and dignified send-off,” President Hichilema said.

He expressed confidence that the funeral programme will be finalised and announced once agreement is reached among all key parties. The President also described the passing of Dr. Lungu as a deeply unfortunate moment in Zambia’s history, noting with sorrow that the country is now without any surviving former Head of State.

In his message, President Mnangagwa conveyed through Vice President Chiwenga that the people of Zimbabwe stand shoulder to shoulder with Zambia during this difficult time.

“Zambia and Zimbabwe are one people. What affects one affects the other,” said Vice President Chiwenga on behalf of President Mnangagwa. “We grieve with you and urge the people of Zambia to remain strong.”

The message underscores the deep-rooted historical and cultural ties between the two neighbouring nations, whose liberation struggles and post-independence journeys have been closely linked.

President Lungu passed away on June 7, 2025. The Zambian government declared a seven-day national mourning period, and dignitaries from across the region and globe have continued to pay tribute to the late leader.

As the nation awaits the official funeral programme, President Hichilema has called for peace, unity, and reflection, urging all citizens to honour the late President with dignity and respect.

Time to Wake Up: UPND Must Not Be Outplayed by PF’s Narrative Warfare

Lusaka Times Editor
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President Hichilema Calls for Unity and Reflection Amid National Mourning

Chief Editor
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President Hichilema Calls for Unity and Reflection Amid National Mourning

President Hakainde Hichilema delivered a televised address to the nation, calling for peace, unity, and compassion as Zambia continues to mourn the passing of its sixth President, Dr. Edgar Chagwa Lungu.

In his address broadcast live on ZNBC and streamed across various online platforms President Hichilema urged Zambians to set aside political differences and stand together in honour of the late leader.

“Let us use this solemn period to reaffirm our shared values — unity, peace, and love. Political differences should never breed hatred or division,” the President said.

The President extended condolences to Dr. Lungu’s family, members of the Patriotic Front (PF), and its supporters, appealing for national solidarity in their moment of grief.

“Now is a time to show compassion. Our humanity must shine above all else,” he stated.

President Hichilema reaffirmed his commitment to serve all citizens equally, regardless of ethnicity, region, or political affiliation. His message comes amidst heightened political tensions and circulating claims from some PF members regarding the circumstances surrounding Dr. Lungu’s death.

While calling for restraint, President Hichilema issued a stern warning against acts of provocation and public disorder.

“This Government will not tolerate any form of lawlessness or anarchy. But equally, I urge citizens not to be drawn into provocation or incitement,” he warned.

The President’s remarks follow concerns about inflammatory rhetoric and the politicisation of Dr. Lungu’s death, as highlighted earlier this week by Chief Government Spokesperson Cornelius Mweetwa.

President Hichilema concluded his speech by calling on Zambians to reflect on the nation’s journey and recommit to the ideals of democracy, peace, and mutual respect.

“We must carry forward the values that unite us. Let us mourn with dignity and remember that we are, first and foremost, Zambians.”

Dr. Edgar Lungu, who served as President from 2015 to 2021, passed away on June 7, 2025. In his honour, a seven-day national mourning period was declared from June 8 to June 14.

Lungu Family Rejects Government-Led Funeral Plans

Lusaka Times Editor
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Lungu Family Rejects Government-Led Funeral Plans

Lungu Family Rejects Government-Led Funeral, Insists on Honouring Late President’s Final Wishes

The family of Zambia’s late sixth Republican President, Dr. Edgar Chagwa Lungu, has issued a firm statement rejecting government-led funeral arrangements, insisting instead on fulfilling the late president’s personal wishes regarding the handling of his remains and the conduct of national mourning.

Dr. Edgar Chagwa Lungu passed away on Thursday, 5th June 2025, in South Africa. Since his death, the family has engaged in several meetings with delegations from the Zambian government to discuss the logistics of his repatriation and funeral. However, those engagements have now reached a deadlock.

In a strongly worded statement, the Lungu family revealed that they had already made all logistical arrangements privately to transport the late president’s body to Zambia. Crucially, they reiterated one of Dr. Lungu’s final requests — that his mortal remains be conveyed solely by his family and not by the state. The family also made it clear that President Hakainde Hichilema should not be present during any stage of the transportation or funeral, citing reasons that have “since become common cause,” hinting at the fraught relationship between the two leaders.

Government delegations led by Foreign Affairs Minister Mlambo Haimbe and later by former Vice President Enoch Kavindele were initially open to the family’s wishes, the statement said. However, the family claims the government later changed positions after “purported consultations,” undermining previously agreed-upon terms.

“The family is disturbed by the desire of the government of the Republic of Zambia to convey the mortal remains… in ways that suggest that they have no say,” the statement read. “Matters of conscience for both the deceased and the family should not be sacrificed at the order of convenience by the government.”

Adding to the strain, the family accused the government of sidelining them in critical decisions surrounding how the late president should be mourned. They emphasized that state protocol should not override the personal conscience of the deceased or the dignity of family choice.

Despite the impasse, the Lungu family reaffirmed their commitment to ensuring that the late president is mourned in a manner befitting his status — both by the nation and international dignitaries. They also indicated that the public would be informed of alternative funeral arrangements, suggesting a growing rift over who should lead the national mourning process.

CONCLUSION:
As Zambia prepares to bid farewell to a former head of state, the tensions between state protocol and personal legacy have come to the fore. The Lungu family’s firm stance has now raised broader questions about the politics of national mourning, the autonomy of bereaved families, and the handling of presidential legacies in a polarized political climate. A peaceful resolution remains possible — but only if mutual respect prevails over control.

A Casket Held Hostage: How PF Turned Mourning into Manipulation

Lusaka Times Editor
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A Casket Held Hostage: How PF Turned Mourning into Manipulation

By Morgan Phiri

Right now, as Zambia mourns the passing of its Sixth Republican President, something shameful is unfolding before our eyes. What should be a moment of unity, reflection, and national dignity has instead become a theatre of political bitterness, orchestrated by a desperate opposition that cannot tell the difference between power and pettiness.

The Patriotic Front, through lawyer Makebi Zulu, has publicly barred President Hakainde Hichilema from attending the funeral of Edgar Chagwa Lungu. Their words are not just cold  they are chilling:

“President Hakainde Hichilema should not be anywhere near the body… for reasons that have since become common cause.”

What reasons? None have been honestly stated. But the message is clear: the PF would rather keep the casket than open the door to national healing. This is not grief. This is manipulation. And Zambia is watching.

Instead of honouring their own leader with grace, PF has decided to weaponize his death, dragging his grieving widow and children into a storm of bitterness. The Lungu family deserves peace, silence, and space to mourn. What they’re getting is scripts, microphones, and cameras. It’s cruel. It’s calculated. And it’s playing out in real time.

On the other hand, the UPND has so far exercised noticeable restraint. Secretary General Batuke Imenda advised members not to comment  and they haven’t. That discipline matters. President Hichilema has maintained a composed silence despite provocation, and that silence speaks volumes. It reflects emotional control, institutional respect, and the understanding that not every battle is fought with words.

The contrast is jarring. While some are performing for headlines, others have chosen dignity. This isn’t about politics. It’s about national responsibility. When people are grieving, leaders are expected to lead by example to unite, not divide.

An opportunity to strengthen our democracy has been rejected by a small group of cadres trying to undermine our national motto, One Zambia, One Nation.

Let’s be brutally honest. What we’re witnessing isn’t just a reaction to death it’s a performance built on resentment. It’s an attempt to provoke chaos and stir public anger.

Instead what we have seen is a nation, which has been mourning in quiet dignity, now increasingly ready to move on.

A family mourns. Our country remains united.

EU Commends Government For Its Zero Tolerance To Mining Pollution

Chief Editor
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EU Commends Government For Its Zero Tolerance To Mining Pollution

European Union (EU) has commended the government for its zero-tolerance to mining pollution.
Speaking during a partnership dialogue meeting, EU Ambassador to Zambia, Karolina Stasiak, says that Zambia’s target of increasing copper production will see a rise in mining licenses, which calls for strong preventive measures in mining pollution.

Ms. Stasiak further emphasised on the need for the mining industry to act responsibly and respect the laws of Zambia.
“Our leaders are committed that the EU would support enhancing the role of Zambian forests in national development, and address challenges related to deforestation, climate change and biodiversity loss,” Ms Stasiak, noted.

Minister of Green Economy and Environment, Mike Mposha, added that the government is committed to reviewing policies and legislations in order to sharpen focus towards the promotion of green growth, environmental sustainability and climate action.
Mr. Mposha stated that his ministry will continue to address other significant environmental pollution cases affecting air, water, land and ecosystems across the country through expanded monitoring systems and strengthened enforcement capacity.

The big tree has fallen

Chief Editor
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3
The big tree has fallen

One day, dark clouds descended on the village of Zambodia…..The tree had fallen….It was a gigantic one…..the one that proudly stood at the heart of the village and towered above other trees as it defiantly soared into the clear blue skies…..

Each day that went by…..the villagers of Zambodia flocked to the tree enmass…..for it provided not only shelter…..Every treasure one would think of to please body and soul….. exotic fruits, natural honey, mouth-watering caterpillars and a variety of game, hard wood, herbs, the tree was the source. For quite some 7 donkey years, the tree was the bloodline of the village.

Alas! The big tree was so trusting that it was blinded to the shoddy characters surrounding it……these came in different shades and hues – draculas, hyenas, serpents, jackals and vultures!

Whenever the big tree released resources for the benefit of the village, the draculas, hyenas, serpents, jackals and vultures deposited the bulk of it in their pockets and apportioned a pittance to the villagers.

As the years went by, the tree was sapped of its energy……it could barely stand. However, even as it dawned upon the draculas, hyenas, serpents, jackals and vultures that the tree was well past its shelf life, they kept egging it on and propping it up for obvious reasons – sucking it dry and eating its fruit! This became a daily routine; it didn’t matter what time of the day – morning, afternoon or evening!

As the day replaced the night, and vice versa though….it became as clear as glass the tree could hardly stand. Time was fast running out.

One quite evening as the villagers tried to compete with the dead, the usual suspects – draculas, hyenas, serpents, jackals and vultures gathered around the tree. They emitted guttural sounds hitherto unheard of in the village that echoed into the night for miles and miles on end. As some draculas, hyenas, serpents, jackals and vultures performed a macabre dance around the big tree, others prostrated themselves flat on the ground and rolled till eternity….

The big tree had fallen……the draculas, hyenas, serpents, jackals and vultures didn’t want anyone near the big tree – including the village headman; for it was said there was more treasure hidden under the big tree…..

As the village headman decreed that the tree must be prepared and taken away where other similar trees are concealed within 7 days, the draculas, hyenas, serpents, jackals and vultures were obviously livid! They immediately issued warnings that no one should dare stray anywhere near the big tree as the villagers of Zambodia watched in utter shock and disbelief….

Prince Bill M Kaping’a
Political/Social Analyst

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