Amid “uncertainty” Over Burial of Zambia’s Former President, Church Leaders Appeal for Calm

“We therefore urge both the Government and the Lungu family to find common ground in the spirit of mutual respect and national unity,” say the CCZ, EFZ, and ZCCB leaders.

They express their awareness of the grief of the family members of former President Lungu, and add, “The grief they are experiencing is shared by the entire nation.”

“Dr. Lungu served Zambia, and the nation deserves the opportunity to mourn him with dignity,” the church leaders say, and urge that the current stalemate should not be seen as “a conflict between the Lungu family and certain individuals, but rather as a national loss that calls for collective mourning and respect.”

Citing African cultural traditions, the church leaders note that disputes and misunderstandings are traditionally resolved after the dead are laid to rest.  

“The funeral period should be marked by respect for the deceased, unity and harmony,” the say. 

More in Africa

“I felt unwanted”: Moving Tales of Catholic Priests Forced Out of South Africa as Foreigners’ Woes Escalate

Read the article

In the statement that the ZCCB Secretary General, Fr. Francis Mukosa, CCZ General Secretary, Rev. Emmanuel Chikoya, and EFZ Executive Secretary, Bishop Andrew Mwenda co-signed, the church leaders also address the rise of insensitive and mocking public commentary on the burial controversy. 

“While the public has the right to express opinions, we caution against turning this solemn occasion into a subject of jokes or ridicule. Scripture reminds us that there is a time for everything, and clearly, this is a time for mourning and reflection,” the church leaders say.

They affirm their pastoral commitment to facilitate a truce between the Zambian government and the Lungu family. “As the church, we wish to assure the nation that we are actively engaged both publicly and behind the scenes to mediate and foster dialogue between the two parties.”

CCZ, EFZ, and ZCCB leaders go on to underscore the need for collective healing, saying, “The Lungu family needs healing, the Government needs healing, and Zambia as a nation needs healing. We all need healing.”

“May God grant us peace and help us remain anchored in our national values of unity, love, and harmony,” the Church leaders implore in their June 19 statement.

Hon. Edgar Lungu, a lawyer by profession, ascended to the presidency after serving as Minister of Justice and Minister of Defence under the late President Michael Sata.

The leadership of the former president, who served between 2015 and 2021, was marked by significant infrastructure projects and constitutional reforms. It was also reportedly characterized by economic decline, strained relations with Western donors, and political unrest.

After losing the 2021 election to Hakainde Hichilema, the late Lungu attempted a political comeback in 2023. However, a court ruled he was ineligible to run again.

Jude Atemanke is a Cameroonian journalist with a passion for Catholic Church communication. He holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Journalism and Mass Communication from the University of Buea in Cameroon. Currently, Jude serves as a journalist for ACI Africa.