08/08/2025
BITTERNESS IS THE FATHER OF DISTRUCTION
Editor
The recent saga surrounding the repatriation of former Zambian President Edgar Lungu's body from South Africa has laid bare the deep-seated bitterness and polarization that plagues the country's politics. This case has not only exposed the profound divisions within Zambia's political landscape but also highlighted how national values and institutions are being compromised to serve personal interests.
The controversy began way before the `where to bury-who to not attend drama. It all began when President Hakainde Hichilema's government reportedly delayed announcing the death of former president Edgar Lungu. This move sparked outrage among Lungu's supporters and the Patriotic Front (PF) party, who accused the government of political vendetta and disrespect towards the former president.
The reaction from both sides has been intense, with each accusing the other of politicizing the situation. The opposition has been demanding that the family`s wishes be respected and have the remains of the former head of state be buried in a foreign land, framing it as a matter of dignity and respect for the deceased leader. On the other hand, the government has insisted on following due process, though critics argue this is a thinly veiled attempt to humiliate Lungu's legacy.
This case has brought to the fore the bitter rivalry between the PF Lungu`s family and the United Party for National Development (UPND), led by President Hichilema. The parties have been locked in a cycle of mistrust and hostility, with each side viewing the other's actions through a lens of suspicion. The repatriation issue has become a flashpoint for these tensions, revealing how personal animosities and political scores are increasingly dictating the nation's affairs.
Moreover, the handling of this situation raises serious questions about the state of Zambia's national values. The politicization of a former president's death, an event that should ideally unite the nation in reflection and mourning, underscores how far personal interests have eroded the fabric of Zambian society. Institutions that should uphold the dignity of all citizens, regardless of political affiliation, seem to be bending to the whims of those in power.
The role of the church in this matter is particularly noteworthy. Traditionally, the church in Zambia has been a unifying force, often stepping in to mediate in times of political crisis. However, in the case of Lungu's repatriation, the church's efforts to resolve tensions have been conspicuously ineffective. Despite the high moral authority the church commands, it has struggled to bring the warring parties to the table for meaningful dialogue. This inability to intervene effectively highlights the depth of the political divide and suggests that the church's influence may be waning in the face of increasingly entrenched political hostilities.
The church's silence or ineffective mediation in this matter has left many wondering if it has been co-opted into the political fray or if it simply lacks the leverage to influence the current political climate. Whatever the reason, the outcome is the same: an opportunity for the church to demonstrate its role as a peacemaker has been missed.
The repatriation of Edgar Lungu's body should be a matter of state protocol and humanitarian concern, rather than a tool for political point-scoring. As this seemingly comes to an end through today`s judgment, leaders on all sides must reflect on the long-term implications of their actions. The nation's stability and unity should not be held hostage by the personal agendas of its leaders.
In the end, the people of Zambia deserve better. They deserve leaders who can rise above petty squabbles and work towards the nation's greater good. The repatriation of Lungu's body should be handled with the dignity and respect it deserves, not as a pawn in Zambia's bitter political chess game.
