The Zambia government has taken possession of the body of former president Edgar Chagwa Lungu, intensifying an ongoing dispute with his family over funeral arrangements.

Lungu, who died in South Africa nearly 10 months ago at the age of 68, has been at the centre of a prolonged standoff between the state and his relatives. The disagreement stems from differing views on how and where the former leader should be laid to rest.

The government, led by President Hakainde Hichilema, maintains that Lungu, as a former head of state, deserves a state funeral and burial at the presidential burial site in Lusaka alongside his predecessors.

However, the family has pushed for a private burial, citing unresolved differences with the government and the late president’s reported personal wishes.

The situation took a legal turn when a South African court ruled last year that Zambia could repatriate the body and proceed with a state funeral. Although the family challenged the ruling, authorities say the transfer followed the family’s failure to advance their appeal.

Despite this, the family disputes that claim. Their spokesperson insists due process was followed and has since filed an urgent application in a South African court seeking the return of the body to the funeral home where it was previously held.

The dispute reflects deeper tensions between Lungu and his successor, stemming from a long-standing political rivalry that dates back to the 2021 elections.

As legal proceedings continue, uncertainty remains over where and how the former president will ultimately be laid to rest.

A sensitive standoff where law, politics, and family wishes continue to collide.