BREAKING: Government Statement on Constitutional Court Rejection of Lungu Family Appeal Over Burial

In a statement this afternoon, the Government of the Republic of Zambia said it has taken note of the Constitutional Court’s decision concerning the burial arrangements of the late Sixth President, Dr. Edgar Chagwa Lungu, and expressed gratitude to the judges for their “timely consideration of the matter.”

“While the government respects the court’s decision, it remains committed to working with Dr. Lungu’s family to reach an arrangement that takes into consideration their wishes and interests, but also the rights of government,” the statement read.

The Constitutional Court earlier rejected an application by Dr. Lungu’s family seeking to have their appeal heard on the matter.

Open Zambia welcomes the fact that, in recent weeks, tensions around the burial issue have eased and thanks Zambians for their understanding and restraint.

Reaffirming its stance, the government maintained that the late President “deserves a dignified funeral in keeping with the stature of his office” and urged the public to avoid inflammatory comments during this period.

“Now is the time for all of us to keep the Lungu family in our thoughts and prayers as they mourn the loss of the former President,” the statement concluded.