In a shocking turn of events, a South African court has halted the burial preparations for former Zambian President Edgar Lungu, igniting a fierce legal and political battle over his final resting place. As mourners gathered for a private funeral service in South Africa, the news broke that the Zambian government had intervened, seeking to assert its authority over the burial arrangements. The family of Lungu had chosen to hold a private ceremony rather than a state funeral in Zambia, a decision steeped in controversy and political animosity.

Lungu, who passed away following a prolonged illness, had a tumultuous relationship with current Zambian President Hakainde Hichilema. Tensions escalated after Lungu imprisoned Hichilema for 100 days during his presidency, and even in death, Lungu’s family has vowed to keep Hichilema away from the funeral. They claim that Lungu expressed a strong desire for his rival not to attend his burial, a sentiment that has now triggered this unprecedented legal battle.

The Zambian government argues that state protocol should take precedence over family wishes, insisting that Lungu’s burial must reflect his status as a former head of state. Meanwhile, the court’s decision has left mourners in limbo, raising questions about the intersection of personal grief and political rivalry. As the situation unfolds, the implications for Zambian politics and regional relations remain profound.

This dramatic standoff highlights the deep-seated divisions within Zambian society, where political rivalries can extend even beyond the grave. With the court’s ruling still pending, the family and government are at an impasse, leaving the future of Lungu’s burial in a precarious state. The world watches as this story develops, underscoring the volatile nature of politics in the region.