The recent treatment of president Hakainde Hichilema by the family of the late former president Edgar Lungu reportedly barring him from being close to the late president’s body marks a regrettable and deeply concerning episode in Zambia’s political and national life.
Death, especially of a statesman, should be a moment of unity, reflection and dignity.
It should not be weaponised for political point-scoring or personal grudges.
President Hichilema, as the sitting head of state, has a constitutional and moral duty to represent the entire nation during key national moments none more solemn than the passing of a former president.
That he would be disrespected, marginalised or excluded from traditional rites, even symbolically, sets a dangerous precedent of undermining the office of the presidency for short-term emotional or political gain.
The family’s apparent decision, whether driven by lingering political bitterness or personal grievances, comes across as short-sighted and unfair.
While personal pain and loyalty are understandable, Lungu was not just a father, husband or relative but a former head of state and public figure.
The transition from a personal loss to a national funeral demands a certain maturity from the bereaved family to allow all Zambians, regardless of political affiliation, to mourn respectfully.
The role of the sitting president in such moments is ceremonial but symbolically powerful.
It represents continuity, stability and the nation’s ability to rise above division.
To deny president Hichilema proximity to his predecessor’s body is to deny the very values Zambia prides itself on: respect, peace and democratic integrity.
It feeds into a narrative of division at a time when the country needs to be reminded of its shared history and collective future.
It reflects poorly on the late president Lungu’s legacy, as it suggests an inability among his closest relatives and supporters to rise above petty politics in the face of death.
Moreover, such acts threaten to normalise disrespect for office-bearers simply because of partisan differences.
This risks weakening the sanctity of state institutions and the very democratic norms Zambia has worked so hard to uphold.
Leaders, past and present, will come and go, but the institutions they serve must remain above reproach and emotion.
President Hichilema, to his credit, appears to have acted with restraint and dignity.
Rather than reacting emotionally or politically, he has chosen the high road, demonstrating the very statesmanship that moments like this demand.
Zambia deserves better than what was seen in this moment of national mourning.
The family of the late Lungu, while grieving, should have upheld the broader responsibilities that come with a public funeral.
Healing a nation starts with maturity in its leadership both political and familial.
Politics must never be allowed to eclipse our shared humanity, especially in death.
*Ansfried Moyo is a teacher. He writes in his personal capacity.