21/06/2025
> Fellow Zambians,
I speak today not with politics in my heart, but with pain. Pain as a Zambian.
We lost a former Head of State—Mr. Edgar Chagwa Lungu.
And in this moment of mourning, we are witnessing confusion. Conflict. Debate.
The family of the late president has made it clear—they are standing by his will. A will that reportedly says he did not want a state funeral, that he did not want the sitting president to attend, or play any part in his final sendoff.
On top of that, the family’s decision to bury him in South Africa has left the nation stunned.
And respectfully, I must say this:
That decision is not good.
Because Mr. Lungu was not just a private man—he was a public figure, a former president, and to many, a symbol of leadership.
Zambia is his home. Zambia is where his story began. And Zambia is where it should end.
Yes, we respect the family. Yes, we understand pain and grief. But we must also understand the weight of national leadership.
Can we truly bury a president in a foreign land while millions at home stand with unanswered questions?
He was the people’s president. A man of this nation.
And no matter the differences between the current government and the family, we must remember:
Politics aside—funeral must be funeral.
This is not the time to fight. This is not the time to divide.
This is the time to honor. To show dignity. To rise as one Zambia.
Our national anthem says:
“Land of work and joy in unity…”
So let us work through our pain. Let us find joy in unity.
Let us bring our former president home. Let the people say goodbye.
Because in the end, leadership belongs to the people—and so does legacy.
May Mr. Lungu rest in peace. May the family find healing.
And may this nation remember:
One Zambia. One Nation. One Home.
