HH Declares End of National Mourning

In an address to the nation yesterday evening, June 19th 2025, President Hakainde Hichilema declared an end to the national mourning period for the late Sixth President Edgar Lungu.

The President's declaration followed an ongoing dispute that had delayed the return of Lungu’s remains, leaving the nation in a state of uncertainty during the mourning period.

In his address, President Hichilema explained that “the country cannot afford to be in a state of indefinite mourning.”

Hichilema says the government has done everything possible to engage the Former President's family, but has reached a point where a clear decision has to be made.

Later in the evening, speaking on ZNBC, President Hichilema affirmed that former President Lungu is not only a private individual but also Zambia’s sixth Republican President. While acknowledging his family ties, the President emphasised that Mr. Lungu also belongs to the entire nation.

President Hichilema confirmed that it is appropriate for the former President to receive a state burial in Zambia with full honours, adding that the government remains willing to engage with the family further as needed.

He also offered an apology to South African President Cyril Ramaphosa, as well as to the government and people of South Africa, noting that the South African Defence Force had prepared elaborate military honours at Zambia’s request, which ultimately went unused.

Finally, President Hichilema urged all to remain united as a nation and maintain the peace for which the country is known.