Respect ECL’s family wishes – Muluzi

By NATION REPORTER

FORMER Malawian President Bakili Muluzi has called on the Zambian government to respect the wishes of late former President Edgar Lungu’s family and allow them, in their grief to exercise their right to determine how to honour the wishes of the former head of State.
Dr Muluzi has however said the family should at the same time recognise the solemn responsibility of the State toward its former leaders.
Dr Muluzi has since withdrawn from his mediating role to the impasse surrounding the funeral and burial of Zambia’s late sixth Republican President Lungu, citing lack of progress and the need to hand the matter back to the family and the state for a final resolution.
He said while meaningful progress had been made, including reflection of the family’s wishes regarding key ceremonial aspects, certain matters remained complex and attempts to secure direct dialogue among all parties had not fully succeeded.
“It is our sincere hope that space will yet emerge for renewed, calm and principled communication so that closure may be reached in a manner that upholds the dignity of the late President and strengthens unity among the people of Zambia,” Dr Muluzi said.
He said after months of effort to bridge differences, it had become necessary to allow the family, Government, and people of Zambia to determine a respectful and unifying conclusion to the former head of State’s funeral arrangements.
He thanked President Hakainde Hichilema for his cooperation during the mediation process and expressed hope that “space would emerge for renewed, calm, and principled communication” to ensure a dignified burial that would strengthen national unity.
“It has now been five months since the passing of Mr. Edgar Chagwa Lungu, the Sixth President of the Republic of Zambia, on 5th June 2025.
This period has been marked by deep national sorrow and heartfelt concern across the Southern African region and the continent.
I wish to acknowledge the courage, dignity, and patience of the Zambian people, who have continued to uphold peace, unity, and restraint during this difficult time,” Dr Muluzi said.
He encouraged continued prayers and compassion, particularly for the former First Lady Ms. Esther Lungu, the children and the extended family.
Dr Muluzi thanked President Hichilema for his readiness to receive his calls and consider his counsel during the mediation process.
“His (President Hichilema) openness made it possible for my mediation efforts and those of colleagues supporting this process to be directed toward exploring a peaceful resolution of the issues under consideration,” he said.
He also extended sincere gratitude to President Cyril Ramaphosa, the Government of South Africa, and the Department of International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO) for their steady diplomatic support throughout the period.
Dr Muluzi also noted the solidarity of SADC leaders, consistent with the values of regional fraternity.
He paid tribute to Bishop Professor Joshua Banda, President of the Africa Christian Transformation Forum and Presiding Bishop of the Pentecostal Assemblies of God Zambia, describing him as a vital partner throughout the process.
“His involvement was thoughtful, discreet, and deeply rooted in the values of peace and reconciliation,” Dr Muluzi said.
He said the formal appointment of Archbishop Dr Alick Banda of the Diocese of Lusaka and Bishop Banda as co-mediators had renewed confidence that a resolution was within reach, stating that their pastoral authority provided a trusted framework for advancing dialogue.
Dr Muluzi also commended Ms. Graça Machel for her personal outreach to the former First Lady, and Thandi Modise of South Africa for her constructive and transparent engagement.
He said throughout the process, communication was maintained with the family through their spokesperson, Makebi Zulu, while liaising respectfully with representatives of the Zambian Government.
“Our intention at every stage was to foster understanding, restore calm and allow room for a dignified resolution grounded in mutual respect, African cultural values, and the honour befitting a former head of State,” Dr Muluzi said.