Reported by: The Agency Media
Date: 9th June, 2025.
Lusaka, Zambia.
As the nation comes to terms with the passing of former President Edgar Chagwa Lungu, the Zambian Government has pledged its unwavering commitment to ensuring a solemn, dignified and respectful farewell for the late Head of State.
Speaking during a televised interview on Diamond TV’s Costa program, Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Mulambo Haimbe, emphasized that the current administration, under President Hakainde Hichilema, is focused on unity and reverence during this moment of national loss.
“The death of former President Lungu is not just a loss to his family, but a loss to the nation,” Mr. Haimbe stated. “This is a period for collective mourning and reflection, not political point scoring.”
He revealed that the Government has been working closely with the Lungu family to coordinate repatriation and funeral arrangements, with a state funeral planned to include full military honours. The body of the late President is expected to arrive in Zambia on Wednesday, with further logistical details to be announced by the Secretary to the Cabinet.
Mr. Haimbe led a government delegation to South Africa to liaise directly with the bereaved family, underscoring the administration’s hands-on approach in ensuring the former leader is laid to rest with dignity. He extended gratitude to the South African Government for its support during the difficult transition, particularly in facilitating repatriation processes.
Highlighting the Government’s nonpartisan stance, Mr. Haimbe cautioned against the politicization of the mourning period, urging all citizens and leaders to respect the solemn nature of the moment.
“This is a time to rise above our differences and remember our shared identity as Zambians,” he said. “Let us honour the memory of President Lungu by coming together as a united people.”
He further stressed that national dialogue on political and economic matters would continue in appropriate forums but should not encroach upon the sacred space of mourning a national leader.
President Hichilema’s swift public response to the news of his predecessor’s death, according to Mr. Haimbe, exemplifies the gravity with which the Government views the occasion. He noted that the state’s funeral plans reflect Zambia’s enduring respect for democratic leadership and its traditions of peaceful transitions.
As Zambia prepares to lay to rest its sixth President, Mr. Haimbe called on the nation to uphold values of compassion, mutual respect and unity, principles that transcend political lines and speak to the heart of national identity.
“Regardless of our individual beliefs or political leanings, we all share in this moment,” he said. “Our unity in grief should reflect the strength of our democracy and the depth of our humanity.”
The Agency.