South Africa's Court of Appeal grants the family of former Zambian president the right to bury him.

Written by: Mohamed Ragab

South Africa’s Court of Appeal has ruled that the family of former Zambian President Edgar Lungu has the right to bury him, ending a legal and political dispute that lasted for several days between family members and Zambian authorities over funeral arrangements and burial place.

The court ruling came after the family of the late president resorted to the courts in South Africa, where Lungu had died while receiving treatment, amid disputes over how to organize the funeral ceremonies and who would oversee them.

Dispute between the family and the Zambian government

In the days following the death of the former president, tensions arose between his family and the Zambian government over the arrangements for the official funeral, with the family insisting on its right to make decisions regarding the burial ceremony, while the authorities sought to organize an official funeral befitting a former president of the country.

The family stressed that the wishes of the deceased should be respected, while the Zambian government emphasized the importance of officially honoring the former president in a manner befitting his political stature and role in public life.

The court affirms the family's right to make the decision.

The South African Court of Appeal granted the Lungu family the legal right to proceed with the burial, considering that family members are the ones authorized to make decisions regarding the body and funeral rites.

The ruling is a significant development in the case, as it puts an end to the legal dispute that has attracted widespread interest both inside and outside Zambia, especially given the political stature of the late president.

Political legacy of the former president

Edgar Lungu served as President of Zambia between 2015 and 2021. His term was marked by numerous economic and political challenges, and he played a prominent role in Zambian political life for many years.

After leaving power, Lungu remained an influential figure in the political scene, continuing his political activism and involvement in many national issues until his death.

His death has sparked widespread reactions within Zambia and in a number of African countries, where officials and political leaders have offered their condolences to his family and the Zambian people.

Calls to overcome differences

A number of observers and political leaders called for an end to the disputes related to the funeral ceremonies and for respect for the judiciary's decision, stressing that the occasion calls for prioritizing the spirit of national unity and honoring the legacy of the former president.