International
African Mediators Close Chapter on Lungu Legacy Dispute, Pledge Continued Support for Reconciliation
By Iyojo Ameh
A delicate and high stakes diplomatic effort aimed at resolving lingering tensions over the legacy and burial of late Zambian President Edgar Lungu has come to a quiet conclusion.
After months of strained relations marked by political rivalry and disputes over funeral arrangements, a mediated agreement was reached between the Lungu family and President Hichilema’s government. However, disputes persisted on Lungu’s final rites and whether President Hichilema might attend.
Recall that Lungu died on June 5, 2025 in South Africa while undergoing medical treatment—travel he made after political and public tension over access to care.
In the preceding years, he had faced court rulings barring him from future elections and accusations of political harassment, though he was not undergoing a criminal trial at the time of his death.
The burial arrangements became a flashpoint, with heated debates over whether Lungu should be returned to Zambia for burial or laid to rest in South Africa, where he had spent his final days. The impasse drew regional concern, prompting the formation of a mediation team composed of respected African states persons and leaders.
Leading the delegation was former Malawian President Dr. Bakili Muluzi, recognized for his role in peacebuilding across the continent. He was joined by renowned humanitarian and advocate Mama Graça Machel, whose legacy in post-conflict recovery brought moral gravity to the discussions.
Completing the trio was His Royal Highness Prince Estifanos Matewos of Ethiopia, a global voice on governance and traditional leadership, who served as the team’s spokesperson.
In a statement delivered in Lusaka on Tuesday, Prince Estifanos acknowledged that while the mediation did not yield all desired outcomes, it marked a significant gesture of African led conflict resolution.
He praised the Lungu family for handling the situation with “dignity and grace,” and pledged the team’s continued support as the family and relevant governments navigate outstanding diplomatic matters.
“We reaffirm, with humility and conviction, our enduring commitment to reconciliation, unity, and the respectful engagement of all parties involved,” said Prince Estifanos. “We extend our heartfelt gratitude to the people of Zambia, and to communities across the continent, for their patience, prayers, and steadfast belief in the power of African-led dialogue to resolve African challenges with dignity and wisdom.”
The statement framed the conclusion of the talks not as a failure, but as a dignified pause in a longer journey toward healing and mutual understanding. The mediators reiterated their readiness to step in should the need arise for further facilitation between the governments of Zambia and South Africa.
As Zambia continues to grapple with the legacy of its former leader, the statement serves as a reminder of the complexities surrounding political transitions on the continent and the vital role of African diplomacy in resolving them.
