Zambia's Spiritual Tug-of-War: Lungu's Lasting Legacy

More than eight months after his death, the remains of former Zambian President Edgar Lungu linger in a South African funeral home, entangled in a bitter feud with his successor, President Hakainde Hichilema. The dispute has reached the courts, which have repeatedly ruled in favor of Zambian authorities over Lungu's final wishes.

The battle for Lungu's burial has escalated beyond politics into a spiritual domain, with Hichilema's supporters viewing Lungu's directives as a curse. The controversy disrupts Zambian traditions, where failing to promptly bury the dead is taboo, further fueling the political tension.

A South African court's recent decision highlights the complex interplay between democratic values and spiritual beliefs in Zambia, a nation where spiritual curses are considered potent. The standoff underscores the lingering influence of Lungu, once a significant political challenger to Hichilema, as he continues to haunt the country's politics even after death.