In Zambia, the personal has become intensely political.
The period of mourning and funeral preparations, always difficult, has been further complicated by the lingering animosity between President Hakainde Hichilema and his late predecessor, Edgar Lungu.
The bitterness was such that Lungu’s family stated that one of his final wishes was to prevent Hichilema from attending his funeral.
This dispute has disrupted government plans to honor the former president, created deep divisions within the nation, and prompted widespread questioning about the severity of the situation.
The state funeral for the 68-year-old, who served as president from 2015, was originally scheduled for Sunday. However, the absence of international dignitaries and the vacant conference center in Lusaka highlight the significant rift.
Hints of trouble emerged immediately following Lungu’s death on June 5th, in a Facebook video message from his daughter.
Tasila Lungu, visibly emotional, announced her father’s passing in a South African hospital, emphasizing the “dignity and privacy” of his treatment.
Her concluding plea for national unity, invoking the “One Zambia, One Nation” motto, subtly foreshadowed the emerging tensions.
The conspicuous absence of a presidential announcement further amplified the concerns.
Ms. Lungu’s announcement, which confirmed social media rumors and prompted condolences from leaders like Kenya’s president, remained unacknowledged by Hichilema.
While independent media reported the news, the national broadcaster, ZNBC, remained silent.
Three hours later, President Hichilema released a statement on Facebook, echoing calls for unity and emphasizing “peace, dignity, and togetherness.”
Information Minister Cornelius Mweetwa justified the delay, citing precedent and asserting that announcing a predecessor’s death wasn’t the president’s role.
However, Lungu’s supporters viewed Hichilema’s message of unity as insincere.
Hichilema’s 2021 electoral victory over Lungu, his sixth attempt, marked a culmination of years of rivalry extending beyond electoral politics.
Central to their conflict was Hichilema’s 100-day detention in 2017 on treason charges, stemming from an alleged motorcade incident involving Lungu.
The charges were dropped only after intervention from the Commonwealth secretary-general.
In a BBC interview, Hichilema described his inhumane conditions in solitary confinement and directly blamed Lungu.
This was one of 17 arrests Hichilema faced, while his party, the United Party for National Development, endured harassment from Lungu’s Patriotic Front (PF).
The 2021 election seemed to offer a potential reset.
Lungu, facing widespread disillusionment due to corruption allegations and perceived anti-democratic actions, entered political retirement.
However, amidst rising discontent with Hichilema’s presidency and economic challenges, Lungu’s October 2023 return to active politics triggered the renewed conflict.
This led to the state’s withdrawal of Lungu’s retirement benefits and privileges.
This decision angered Lungu and his family, who also alleged police harassment, including claims of virtual house arrest and restrictions on public exercise.
In a May 2024 interview, Lungu alleged restrictions on both domestic and international travel, including for medical treatment.
The information minister strongly denied these claims, describing them as politically motivated fabrications. He also asserted Hichilema’s commitment to not reciprocate the treatment he received under Lungu’s rule.
Allegations persist that Hichilema’s anti-corruption efforts targeted Lungu’s associates and family, resulting in legal proceedings and asset seizures. Lungu’s family denies any wrongdoing.
The Constitutional Court’s late 2023 ruling barring Lungu from future presidential bids further fueled the tensions.
Lungu’s family lawyer, Makebi Zulu, stated that Lungu explicitly wished to avoid any pretense of reconciliation from Hichilema.
Despite eventually receiving treatment in South Africa in January, Lungu’s lawyer suggested that earlier access to medical care might have improved outcomes.
The specific nature of Lungu’s illness remained undisclosed.
This context explains Lungu’s wish for Hichilema’s absence from his funeral.
The government denies preventing Lungu from seeking medical care in South Africa.
Following his death, a power struggle over funeral arrangements ensued between the family and authorities.
Despite initial signs of compromise, a breakdown in communication occurred over the government’s proposed program.
In a Thursday message, President Hichilema thanked Zambians for their patience but ultimately announced a shift in arrangements.
Funeral plans in Zambia were suspended, the national mourning period curtailed, and the burial is scheduled to proceed in South Africa. Hichilema’s attendance is deemed unlikely.
Zambians’ hopes for reconciliation between Hichilema and Lungu have been dashed, depriving the nation of a shared mourning period and depriving millions of the opportunity to pay their respects.
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