The family of the late former President Edgar Lungu has announced that the remains of Dr. Lungu will not be brought home today, citing breaches of agreements with the government regarding funeral arrangements.
Family Spokesperson Makebi Zulu said discussions with government officials had resulted in a joint agreement on the handling of the late President’s burial.
“A programme was released suggesting that upon arrival at Kenneth Kaunda International Airport, the late President’s body would be transported directly to a church service and subsequently to the Mulungushi International Conference Centre.
“This plan, too, had not been agreed upon by the family,”the family has since observed several actions that undermined that agreement,” he said in a statement in South Africa.
Mr Zulu explained among the concerns is the unilateral announcement by the Road Development Agency (RDA) on June 16 regarding roadworks on the key route from Crossroads to Chifwema a road designated for the state funeral procession.
“This was done without consultation and directly contradicted the agreed-upon funeral programme,” he stated.
Mr Zulu said further issues arose on June 17 when the Secretary to the Cabinet issued a public statement limiting public participation in the reception of the President’s remains, again without consulting the family.
He claimed that the family was denied the opportunity to determine or invite attendees for the critical moment.
“For this reason and many more, the family find it very difficult to believe that government would stick to their end of the agreement and have resolved, sadly so, that the mortal remains of President Edgar Lungu would not return home today,” he said.
The family expressed hope that in the future, the late President’s remains will be brought home and laid to rest in a manner that respects both family wishes and national dignity.