The State House has firmly denied media reports suggesting that President Hakainde Hichilema abruptly cancelled the national mourning period for the late former President Edgar Lungu, labeling such claims as a “misrepresentation of facts.”
In an official statement released on Saturday, Presidential Chief Communications Specialist Clayson Hamasaka clarified that the mourning period was extended, not cancelled, and that the extension was made at the specific request of the Lungu family.
“On Thursday, 19 June 2025, President Hichilema announced the conclusion of a nine-day national mourning period, which had been prolonged beyond the statutory seven days,” Hamasaka explained.
He noted that, according to Zambian state protocol, a former Head of State is traditionally accorded seven days of mourning. The President’s decision to allow two additional days, he said, was made “in good faith” to accommodate the family’s logistical and personal needs during a difficult time.
Hamasaka further dismissed reports circulating in some media outlets and on social media platforms alleging that the mourning period was cut short due to political reasons or a lack of respect for the late president.
“Any assertion to the contrary is misleading and should be disregarded,” he stated.
The misinformation had sparked criticism and confusion among some members of the public, with several opposition figures and commentators questioning the government’s commitment to honouring the late president.
However, Saturday’s clarification seeks to put those concerns to rest, reaffirming the administration’s respect for national traditions and the dignity of former leaders.
The late President Edgar Lungu, who served as Zambia’s sixth president from 2015 to 2021, passed away earlier this month. His death was met with an outpouring of tributes across the political spectrum, with President Hichilema describing him as “a significant figure in Zambia’s democratic journey.”
Final funeral arrangements were carried out with full state honours.
