The family of Zambia’s late 6th Republican President, Edgar Lungu, has requested that government respect their decision to handle his funeral privately, in accordance with his expressed wishes.
Family spokesperson, Makebi Zulu, says the family has since expressed disappointment at what they described as shifting positions from government, even after prior agreements had been reached.
Mr. Zulu said that the family has emphasized that all logistical preparations had already been put in place to ensure that Dr. Lungu’s wishes were honored.
Speaking when he addressed the nation in South Africa, Johannesburg today, Mr. Zulu said that since his passing, two delegations one led by Foreign Affairs Minister Mulambo Haimbe and another by former Vice President, Enock Kavindele, held meetings with the family saying the discussions however, have not yielded consensus.
“The family finds it difficult to continue engaging with government, which has preset conditions that suggest that the family has no say in fundamental issues relating to the manner the deceased is to be mourned,” said Mr. Zulu.
He said that the family is committed to honouring Mr. Lungu in a manner befitting his stature while remaining faithful to his personal instructions.
By Angel Kasabo
