It has now been five months since the passing of Edgar Chagwa Lungu, the sixth President of the Republic of Zambia, on June 5, 2025. This period has been marked by deep national sorrow and heartfelt concern across the Southern African region and the continent. I wish to acknowledge the courage, dignity, and patience of the Zambian people, who have continued to uphold peace, unity, and restraint during this difficult time. I respectfully encourage continued prayers and compassion, particularly for the Former First Lady, Esther Lungu, the children, and the extended family.
I remain deeply appreciative of Hakainde Hichilema, President of the Republic of Zambia, for his readiness to receive my calls and consider my humble counsel and inquiries as I sought to understand what was at stake in this matter. His openness made it possible for my mediation efforts and those of colleagues supporting this process to be directed toward exploring a peaceful resolution of the issues under consideration.
I extend sincere gratitude to the Government of the Republic of South Africa, President Cyril Ramaphosa and the Department of International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO) for the steady and diplomatic support extended throughout this period. Likewise, I wish to also acknowledge the efforts of leaders in the Southern African Development Community (SADC), who demonstrated solidarity consistent with the values of our shared regional fraternity.
In undertaking this mediation process, I was mindful of the delicate nature of this matter, situated between the family of the late President and the Government of the Republic of Zambia. To this end, I invited His Imperial Highness Prince Estifanos Matewos, President of the African Royal Assembly and Special Ambassador to the African Union, to join the mediation initiative. He responded immediately and with generosity, coordinating engagements on the ground in Johannesburg and, without request for recognition or compensation, offering his personal cargo aircraft to support logistical considerations associated with the repatriation process.
His Grace Bishop Joshua H.K. Banda (Prof.), president of the Africa Christian Transformation Forum (ACT Forum), and Presiding Bishop of the Pentecostal Assemblies of God Zambia, who is also President of the Pentecostal Assemblies of Africa, has been a vital partner throughout. He travelled repeatedly to Johannesburg from June onwards to provide pastoral guidance, moral clarity, and a stabilizing presence. His involvement has been thoughtful, discreet, and deeply rooted in the values of peace and reconciliation.
Furthermore, the subsequent formal appointment on 9th September 2025 of His Grace Archbishop Alick Banda of the Lusaka Archdioces and Bishop Joshua H.K. Banda (Prof.) as co-mediators in the process gave us renewed confidence that resolution was even more attainable. Their direct custodianship and moral authority, as eminent senior church leaders in Zambia, provided a pastoral and nationally trusted framework within which dialogue could be advanced. This strengthened our hope, still firmly held, that a dignified and unifying conclusion to this matter remains possible.
We are also grateful for the wise counsel and compassionate engagement of Graça Machel, who reached out personally to the Former First Lady and offered reassurance during an emotionally difficult period. Additionally, we acknowledge the contribution of Thandi Modise, appointed by the Government of South Africa, who worked closely with the Presidency and DIRCO in maintaining constructive and transparent engagement throughout.
Throughout this process, communication was maintained with the family through their spokesperson, Counsel Makebi Zulu, while also liaising respectfully with representatives of the Government of the Republic of Zambia. Our intention at every stage was to foster understanding, restore calm, and allow room for a dignified resolution grounded in mutual respect, African cultural values, and the honor befitting a Former Head of State.
While meaningful progress was made, including reflection of the family’s wishes regarding key ceremonial aspects, certain matters have remained complex. Attempts to secure direct dialogue among all parties did not fully succeed, and therefore the situation has not yet reached final resolution.
We remain deeply respectful of the family’s grief and their right to determine how they honor their loved one. At the same time, we acknowledge the solemn responsibility of the State toward its former leaders. It is our sincere hope that space will yet emerge for renewed, calm, and principled communication so that closure may be reached in a manner that upholds the dignity of the late President and strengthens unity among the people of Zambia.
The work undertaken over these months has been guided not by political or partisan interest, but by the Pan-African fraternity, respect for the Office of the Presidency, and the shared conviction that Africa is strongest when we stand together, especially in our most difficult moments. This reflection is offered to enhance and support the ongoing efforts of the Government of the Republic of Zambia as it continues to provide leadership toward the eventual closure of this longstanding matter. We trust that the collective efforts made thus far, even where imperfect, have contributed constructively toward creating space for an eventual solution.
However, given the prevailing circumstances and the inability to secure a conclusive pathway forward, it has now become necessary to withdraw from the mediation process and formally return the matter to the family, the Zambian people, the Zambian Government and other processes. This will allow the final arrangements for the burial of the departed Former President in a manner they will consider fitting and respectful and get this matter to a closure.
Bakili Muluzi is the former president of the Republic of Malawi .
Contributed by Bakili Muluzi
