A bitter and long-standing feud between Zambia‘s President Hakainde Hichilema and his predecessor Edgar Lungu has taken a dramatic turn, even in death. Lungu passed away on June 5, 2024, at a hospital in South Africa, where he was undergoing medical treatment for an undisclosed illness. The animosity between the two leaders was so intense that Lungu’s family claimed one of his dying wishes was for Hichilema not to attend his funeral.
The disagreement began long before Lungu’s death, stemming from their contentious political rivalry. Hichilema and Lungu had faced off three times in presidential elections, with Hichilema finally winning in 2021. However, their enmity went beyond electoral politics. Hichilema had spent over 100 days in detention in 2017, awaiting trial on treason charges, which he blamed on Lungu personally. This marked the beginning of a deep-seated distrust between the two leaders.
After Lungu’s defeat in 2021, he initially stepped back from frontline politics but later returned, sensing an opportunity as disillusionment with Hichilema’s presidency grew. Lungu’s return to politics was met with resistance from the government, which stripped him of his retirement benefits and privileges. He also complained of police harassment and alleged that he was virtually under house arrest.
The situation took a turn for the worse after Lungu’s death, when his family and the government disagreed over funeral arrangements. Despite an initial agreement for a state funeral, the family accused the government of reneging on the deal, leading to a breakdown in relations. President Hichilema eventually ended the national mourning period, citing the need for normalcy, and the funeral will now take place in South Africa without his attendance.
In a statement, President Hichilema expressed gratitude to Zambians for their “resilience, patience, solidarity, and calmness during this time” but acknowledged that a clear decision had to be made regarding the funeral arrangements. The Lungu family has since confirmed that the former president will be buried in South Africa, appreciating the respectful support from the South African government.
The feud has not only strained relations between the two leaders but also affected the nation, denying many Zambians the opportunity to mourn and pay their last respects to Lungu. Makebi Zulu, the family’s lawyer, highlighted the strained relationship between the two men, stating that Lungu didn’t want people to pretend to care about him in death when they didn’t in life.
As Zambia navigates this complex situation, many are left wondering how the deep-seated animosity between these two leaders could persist even in death. The events that unfolded have sparked a mix of reactions, with some supporting the government’s decision and others advocating for respect for the family’s wishes.