By White Luhanga
President Hakainde Hichilema has declared the end of the National Mourning period by the end of today, June 19, 2025.
Mr. Hichilema made this announcement during a National address today.
He says the government had made numerous efforts to engage with the family and representatives of the late President to reach a consensus on the repatriation of the remains of the former President Edgar Lungu into Zambia.
President Hichilema said the decision to end the National Mourning period was made to allow the country to begin returning to normalcy.
He explained that by last Sunday, June 15, a mutual understanding had been reached, as expressed through a joint press briefing in South Africa.
The President says this breakthrough brought relief to the nation, and preparations were made to receive the remains of the late 6th Republican President on Wednesday, June 18.
However, Mr. Hichilema said despite preparations, the family reversed their decision, and the former President’s body was not made available for repatriation.
He says following the government’s request, the South African government had prepared extensively, with military honors mounted by the South African Defence Force, which ultimately went in vain.
The President has extended sincere apologies to President Cyril Ramaphosa, the Government, and the people of South Africa.
Mr. Hichilema emphasized that the late President Lungu was not only an ordinary citizen but also the 6th Republican President of Zambia, and it was fitting that he be buried in Zambia with full honors.
The President has urged citizens to maintain calm and orderliness, stating that during this difficult time, no lawlessness would be tolerated and called for unity and peace, which Zambia is known for.
Mr. Hichilema says the government and people of Zambia remain open to further engagement with the Lungu family.
Meanwhile, the President has thanked the Zambian envoys, including former Vice President Enock Kavindele, His Royal Highness Chief Mumbi, the Foreign Affairs Minister Mulambo Haimbe, the Secretary to the Cabinet Patrick Kangwa and all others involved in finding a reasonable and amicable resolution to the unfortunate impasse regarding the state funeral.
Mr. Hichilema has further expressed sincere gratitude to President Ramaphosa and the people of South Africa for their exceptional cooperation and compassion.
The President has acknowledged citizens including business owners, whose operations had been affected during this difficult time.
Ends