In Zambia, the former president cannot be buried for eight months

An old campaign poster of Edgar Lungu on a wall in Zambia's capital Lusaka. Photo: AP Photo / Rodney Muhumuza

Former Zambian President Edgar Lungu died on June 5, 2025, at the age of 68 in the Republic of South Africa, where he was receiving treatment for complications after esophageal surgery. However, he has not yet been buried. In Zambia's capital Lusaka, there is an empty grave — the family categorically refuses to hand over the body for a state funeral organized by the current president, Hakainde Hichilema, writes Associated Press.

Reportedly, in his last days, Lungu left clear instructions for his relatives: his longtime political rival Hichilema should never approach his remains, not even to offer condolences.

Legal War

Initially, the deceased's family tried to arrange everything themselves: they wanted to transport the body by private charter flight and insisted on keeping it overnight at a private residence. Relatives even designated three people who were supposed to look after the body during the state ceremony, which ultimately never took place.

When negotiations with the government reached an impasse, the family decided to hold a private funeral in the Republic of South Africa. However, Zambian authorities blocked this ceremony at the very last moment, after which the dispute finally moved into the judicial sphere.

In August, a South African court sided with official Lusaka, ruling that the authorities had the right to take the body back home for burial.

During the announcement of the decision, Lungu's sister, Bertha, could not contain her emotions: in the courtroom, she wailed and cursed the Attorney General of Zambia, claiming that President Hichilema wanted to possess the body for ritualistic purposes.

Spiritual Battle

As AP notes, something much larger than ordinary politics lies behind this conflict. In Zambia, where Christianity is closely intertwined with deep traditional beliefs, many view the situation as a true "spiritual battle."

According to local religious leaders, the unfilled grave in Lusaka is perceived as a very bad omen. A cemetery caretaker, interviewed by journalists, states: "If no one lies there, then, according to our cultural beliefs, it means that your own body will lie there," hinting at a threat to the life of the person who prepared the grave.

Павялічыць

An empty grave in Lusaka where authorities want to bury former president Edgar Lungu. Photo: AP Photo / Rodney Muhumuza

Experts in African theology note that the dying words of elders are considered a powerful "life force" capable of either enhancing life or blocking the success of enemies. In some families, it is not uncommon to forbid enemies from attending funerals, blaming them for misfortunes.

There is a persistent belief in the country that political leaders — like many of their compatriots — fear becoming victims of witchcraft. In the case of the last three presidents — Michael Sata, Lungu, and Hichilema — such suspicions have been widespread.

Moreover, many believe that the official presidential residence is under a deadly spell, as all six former presidents have already died. Hichilema works there, but, according to locals, he sleeps elsewhere.

The history of mystical fears stretches back a long time. Michael Sata, who governed the country from 2011 to 2014, feared that Hichilema (then an opposition leader) was persecuting him magically, although Sata himself claimed that the charms from his own region were stronger. Last year, Zambian authorities even sentenced two men for conspiring to assassinate the president using magic. In this context, Lungu's family demonstrates complete distrust of Hichilema.

Hichilema himself, who is preparing for re-election in August, denies any accusations of malicious intent. He emphasizes that his Christian faith forbids believing in traditional magic.

At the same time, some of Hichilema's supporters see Lungu's last will as an attempt to curse a political rival. They argue that Hichilema, even despite this, is ready to show generosity by participating in the state funeral.

History of Political Revenge

Edgar Lungu's path to power began in 2014 after the death of President Michael Sata. Since Vice President Guy Scott was not eligible to run, Lungu was elected in 2015 to complete the presidential term. His main rival was the wealthy businessman Hakainde Hichilema. It was an extremely tense race, in which Lungu snatched victory with a margin of less than 28,000 votes.

Павялічыць

Esther Lungu (center), widow of former Zambian President Edgar Lungu, with family members during a mass at Christ the King Cathedral in Johannesburg, South Africa. June 25, 2025. Photo: AP Photo / Themba Hadebe

After Lungu's re-election in 2016, Hichilema was accused of treason and thrown into jail for four months. The formal reason was that he allegedly failed to give way to the presidential motorcade.

Five years later, the situation dramatically changed: Hichilema won the elections, and Lungu announced his retirement from politics. However, in 2023, the ex-president changed his mind, after which the authorities immediately stripped him of his pension benefits. Pressure intensified in 2024 when Lungu's wife and daughter were arrested on suspicion of real estate fraud.

When the former president fell seriously ill, it became difficult for him even to leave the country due to government travel restrictions. In early 2025, he managed to literally slip into South Africa by simply buying a ticket at the airport counter. This incident was regarded by the authorities as a security lapse, costing the airport manager his job.

Now, even after death, Edgar Lungu continues to influence Zambian politics, which is considered one of the most stable and vibrant democracies on the continent. Nevertheless, even in such a modern democratic society, there is a persistent belief that political leaders — like many of their compatriots — live in constant fear of being bewitched.

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