LUBINDA URGES FAMILY TO PROCEED WITH LUNGU BURIAL

LUSAKA – Former Minister Given Lubinda has publicly called upon the family of former President Edgar Lungu to proceed with his burial, amidst swirling, unconfirmed reports that President Hakainde Hichilema was somehow impeding the funeral arrangements. Lubinda, a prominent figure in the opposition Patriotic Front (PF), made the appeal to quell speculation and ensure a respectful and timely interment for the nation's sixth president. The call comes at a sensitive time, following the passing of President Lungu, a figure who led Zambia through a period of significant economic and political shifts. While the exact nature of the 'reports' regarding President Hichilema's alleged involvement remains vague and unverified, Lubinda's intervention appears to be a proactive measure to prevent any potential political exploitation of the mourning period. His statement underscores the cultural significance of promptly laying a leader to rest and the need for national solidarity. Sources close to the Lungu family, who requested anonymity due to the delicate nature of the situation, indicated that while the family is deeply grieving, they are also navigating the complexities of state protocols and public expectations. The passing of a former head of state always involves intricate planning, often requiring coordination between the family, traditional leaders, and the sitting government to ensure a funeral befitting the office. Lubinda's plea can be interpreted as an attempt to streamline this process and remove any perceived obstacles, whether real or imagined. Political analysts suggest that Lubinda's statement could be a strategic move to either put pressure on the current administration to clarify its stance or to preemptively defuse any narrative that seeks to politicize the funeral. The relationship between the former and current presidents has often been characterized by political rivalry, and any perceived delay or interference in funeral rites could easily become a point