Mnangagwa sends VP to Zambia as stand-off continues over late President

By Agencies

LUSAKA: PRESIDENT Hakainde Hichilema has revealed that government remains committed to giving former president Edgar Lungu a dignified send off by listening to the desires of the family.

Speaking when the vice president of Zimbabwe Constantino Chiwenga paid a courtesy call on him at State House, President Hichilema stated that government shall not roll out the powers of the president in the ongoing discussions on how Lungu should be mourned.

He said government was focused on positive dialogue that shall in turn yield an amicable conclusion.

This comes after the Lungu family accused the government of disrespecting his wishes.

Family representative Makebi Zulu said his family suspended talks with government, citing disagreements and a lack of respect for Lungu’s final wishes.

Addressing the press, Thursday, Zulu revealed that it was Lungu’s desire that President Hichilema should not be anywhere near his remains, among other things.

However, after meeting with Chiwenga, President Hichilema insisted that Lungu will be buried in Zambia and the State shall soon inform the nation on the way forward.

“We have been having challenges with the family as to agree on burial rites,” said Hichilema.

“By now we would have already announced the burial programme. We will focus on positive dialogue rather than conflict, not to roll out the powers of the president all the time.

“Negotiating, agreeing with the family, listening to their concerns, their desires is what we have invested in.”

He added; “We believe we will reach an amicable conclusion.

“We will be coming soon with the formalities to honour our sixth president by burying him decently in our country not in any other country because he was our Head of State,” said President Hichilema.

President Lungu passed away on June 7, 2025. The Zambian government declared a seven-day national mourning period, and dignitaries from across the region and globe have continued to pay tribute to the late leader.