Lusaka: The Government of Zambia has confirmed that the remains of former President Edgar Chagwa Lungu will be repatriated from South Africa on Wednesday, following his death earlier this month. Lungu, Zambia's sixth President, died on 05 June 2025 at a hospital in South Africa.

According to Namibia Press Agency, in a statement issued to Nampa on Monday, Zambia's Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Mulambo Haimbe expressed gratitude to the South African government for the support extended during the period of mourning. 'We are grateful to the Government of the Republic of South Africa for the hospitality and solidarity shown to the Zambian government, the bereaved family and mourners following the passing of His Excellency, Dr Edgar Chagwa Lungu,' said Haimbe.

The Zambian government also acknowledged the South African authorities' decision to accord the late president full military honours upon repatriation, an act Haimbe described as a sign of the deep diplomatic ties between the two countries. 'The cooperation and respect demonstrated by the South African government, particularly the Department of International Relations and Cooperation, speaks to the enduring bond between our two nations. It is a testament to the strength of our friendship that such support has been extended at this time of mourning,' he said.

President Hakainde Hichilema also extended personal thanks to his South African counterpart, President Cyril Ramaphosa, for his solidarity and assistance. The repatriation of Lungu's remains will mark the beginning of the official farewell proceedings of the late former president in Zambia.