South African Court Orders Zambian Ex-President's Remains Repatriated
South African court rules in favor of Zambian government's right to repatriate former President Lungu's remains, highlighting tensions between state protocol and family wishes in African politics.
South African High Court in Johannesburg where the ruling on former Zambian President Lungu's burial was delivered
In a significant ruling highlighting questions of African sovereignty and state protocol, a South African court has ordered that former Zambian President Edgar Lungu's remains must be returned to his homeland for burial, overriding his family's wishes.
State Authority vs Family Wishes
The judgment, delivered on Friday in Johannesburg, reinforces state authority in matters of national significance, echoing broader debates about African nations' self-determination in political affairs.
Lungu, who led Zambia from 2015 to 2021, passed away in June at age 68 in a South African hospital. The case has exposed deep political tensions between the former president's family and the current Zambian administration under President Hakainde Hichilema.
Political Tensions and State Protocol
The ruling comes amid ongoing political tensions in the region, reflecting similar challenges faced across southern Africa where institutional governance faces increasing scrutiny.
"The court noted that the Zambian courts have previously emphasized that a state funeral is a matter of public interest and protocol for a person of national significance," stated Judge President Aubrey Ledwaba in his ruling.
Historical Context of Political Rivalry
The case is particularly charged given the history between Lungu and current President Hichilema. Their political rivalry reached its peak in 2017 when Hichilema was imprisoned under Lungu's presidency, highlighting the complex nature of power transitions in African politics.
Implications for Regional Governance
Zambian Attorney General Mulilo Kabesha's response emphasized the ruling's significance for national dignity: "This is not winning. You don't win over a burial. It's just what makes good sense, that the former president of the Republic of Zambia should be buried in his own country."
While the family retains the right to appeal, this ruling sets an important precedent for how African nations handle matters of state protocol and national dignity in the post-colonial era.
Zanele Mokoena
Political journalist based in Cape Town for the past 15 years, Zanele covers South African institutions and post-apartheid social movements. Specialist in power-civil society relations.