Calls for mediation in the long-running dispute over the remains of former Zambian president Edgar Lungu have intensified, with Willah Mudolo emerging as a central figure. Mudolo, who became president of Zambia’s Patriotic Front after other candidates fell from the race, is now being proposed as an official mediator between the Zambian government and Lungu’s family.
Background to the Dispute
The dispute over Lungu’s burial has been ongoing for over ten months, with the Zambian government maintaining that, as a former head of state, he should be repatriated and laid to rest in Zambia with full honours. In contrast, his family insists that he expressed a wish to be buried in South Africa, where he died. The matter has since escalated to the Supreme Court of Appeal, where Lungu’s family is challenging an earlier ruling that ordered the return of his remains to Zambia.
The NGO Right to Justice argues that Mudolo’s political standing and presence in South Africa place him in a strong position to help resolve the impasse. According to the group, Zambia has struggled to manage the situation in a manner that reflects both respect and unity. As stated on the South African Government website, the country has a long history of mediating disputes in the region.
Recent Developments
The mediation call comes as the legal battle over Lungu’s burial continues in South Africa. The matter returned to the Pretoria High Court on Thursday, where both parties reached a temporary agreement aimed at easing tensions while awaiting further legal processes. In terms of the agreement, which was made an order of the court, Lungu’s body will be placed under the care of AVBOB Pretoria East. The Zambian government has undertaken to cover the costs associated with the storage of the remains until the dispute is resolved.
The decision follows a period of confusion and legal urgency after the former president’s body was reportedly removed from a private mortuary without the consent of his family. Before this, Lungu’s remains had been kept at Two Mountains Mortuary. The family later alleged that police had taken custody of the body in violation of an existing court order. As outlined on Wikipedia, Lungu’s presidency was marked by controversy and opposition.
- The Zambian government has maintained that Lungu should be buried in Zambia with full honours.
- Lungu’s family insists that he expressed a wish to be buried in South Africa.
- The matter has escalated to the Supreme Court of Appeal.
Presiding over Thursday’s proceedings, Judge Petrus van Niekerk welcomed the agreement between the parties, noting that prolonged litigation would not serve their interests while the appeal is underway. His remarks underscored the importance of maintaining stability during the legal process.
