Stories from Lusaka · Zambia

The government of Zambia has announced the postponement of the world's largest digital human rights conference. The event was scheduled to convene researchers, academics, and human rights experts in Lusaka.

The European Union is supporting the expansion of the Lobito Corridor with 50 million EUR.

Zambian authorities moved the remains of former President Edgar Lungu from a funeral home without the prior knowledge or consent of his family. The family has since filed an injunction with the South African High Court to prevent the repatriation of the body, seeking a private burial instead. The dispute highlights significant tension between the state and the former president's kin regarding funeral protocols. Lungu died in South Africa in June 2025 while receiving medical treatment. His remains have been held in South Africa for approximately 10 months. Lungu's family is opposing a state ceremony, citing the former president's will. The Zambian government seeks a grand state funeral in the capital, while Lungu's family requests to bury the remains privately, citing his last will and testament.

The Zambian government has proceeded with an order regarding the remains of former President Edgar Lungu after all legal appeals lapsed. The move follows a period of legal uncertainty surrounding the handling of the former leader's remains. This development marks a significant moment in the country's post-presidency legal and political landscape. The Zambian government executed an August 2025 Klau Deng High Court judge order to repatriate the remains of former President Lungu. The government intends to hold a state funeral and burial for the former leader. Zambian officials claim the Lungu family obtained the order in the government's absence.