LUSAKA – Zambian President Hakainde Hichilema says the late Edgar Chagwa Lungu will be laid to rest in his homeland, the Republic of Zambia.
“We were honoured to receive a courtesy call from Mr. Ronald Ozzy Lamola, Minister of International Relations and Cooperation of the Republic of South Africa,” Hichilema said.
“Minister Lamola conveyed heartfelt condolences from His Excellency President Cyril Ramaphosa and the people of South Africa on the passing of our 6th Republican President, Mr. Edgar Chagwa Lungu.” 
He added, “We held a meaningful and respectful discussion regarding the burial of the late President, during which we reaffirmed our firm position that His Excellency Mr. Lungu should be laid to rest in his homeland, the Republic of Zambia.”
Hichilema went on to say, “We extend our sincere gratitude to the President of South Africa for the care extended to our late President during his period of illness. We also express our apologies to the South African National Defence Force for the unexpected challenges surrounding the repatriation of the late President’s remains on Wednesday, 18th June 2025.”
