A potentially explosive situation has been defused after a dramatic intervention by Southern African Development Community (SADC) Chair President Mnangagwa. The standoff between the family of late former Zambian President Edgar Lungu and the government of President Hakainde Hichilema had been escalating, with the family threatening to bar the president from attending the funeral.
The dispute had been brewing for about a week, with the Lungu family insisting that President Hichilema, a political rival, should not attend the funeral as per the deceased’s wishes. The situation became increasingly tense, with the possibility of a highly problematic scenario unfolding – burying a former head of state without the presence of the current head of state.
However, President Mnangagwa’s swift intervention changed the course of events. He dispatched Vice President Constantino Chiwenga to Zambia to mediate between the parties. After intense negotiations, an amicable solution was reached, paving the way for a peaceful burial.
At a joint press briefing, the Lungu family and the government announced that former President Lungu’s body would be flown to Lusaka on a charter plane. The public would be able to pay their respects at a conference center in the capital, and a state funeral would be held on Sunday, June 22.
The agreement has brought relief to all parties involved. The Lungu family apologized for any inconvenience caused, while the government expressed gratitude to President Mnangagwa for his intervention. As the nation mourns the loss of a former leader, the focus shifts to the funeral and burial arrangements.
Diplomatic sources suggest that without President Mnangagwa’s intervention, the dispute could have spiraled out of control, setting a very unfortunate precedent. The agreement has averted a potentially volatile situation, allowing the country to come together in mourning
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