PRETORIA-(MaraviPost)-The Evangelical Fellowship of Zambia (EFZ) has publicly criticized Attorney General Mulilo Kabesha for stating that the Zambian government could proceed to bury late former President Edgar Lungu without the participation of his family.
EFZ Board Chairperson, Bishop Paul Mususu, described Kabesha’s statement as “brutal” and morally inappropriate.
Bishop Mususu emphasized that despite the courts ruling for the repatriation of the late president’s body to Zambia, government authorities must continue to engage with the family.
He argued that it would be immoral for the State to go ahead with the burial without involving the family.
Speaking on Radio Christian Voice’s Chatback program, on the topic “Role of the Church in the ECL Burial Impasse,” Bishop Mususu called for ongoing dialogue between the government and the Lungu family.
He underscored that even after the court’s judgment, conversation and negotiation with the family must continue to uphold moral and cultural standards.
The EFZ Board Chair also expressed dismay over the level of mockery and ridicule by some Zambians regarding the burial dispute.
He urged citizens to respect the nation’s cultural values and traditions regarding the dead.
Bishop Mususu further emphasized the importance of returning to traditions of honoring the deceased and resolving disputes after burial, rather than before.
He highlighted that the moral responsibility lies not only with the government but also with society to ensure respect for the deceased and their families.
The statement from EFZ has sparked a wave of reactions among Zambians, with some supporting the bishop’s call for family involvement, while others insist that the government has legal authority to proceed if the family refuses.
Some citizens noted that similar situations, such as unclaimed bodies or cases involving contagious diseases, allow the state to conduct burials without family consent.
Critics of EFZ argued that Kabesha was merely stating the legal reality of the court’s ruling and not attempting to marginalize the family.
However, Bishop Mususu’s supporters maintain that law alone does not justify bypassing ethical and cultural considerations in sensitive matters like the burial of a former head of state.
The debate highlights a deeper tension between legal authority and moral responsibility in Zambia’s governance and civic traditions.
It also raises questions about the role of church leaders in mediating national disputes and guiding public opinion during politically sensitive situations.
Bishop Mususu’s intervention reflects the church’s view that moral guidance should complement legal procedures, particularly in matters of national importance.
The ongoing discourse underscores the delicate balance between respecting family rights, upholding national laws, and maintaining cultural and ethical norms in Zambia.
Concluding Analysis:
The EFZ’s criticism of Attorney General Mulilo Kabesha demonstrates the tension between legal authority and moral responsibility in Zambia’s public affairs.
While the law provides the government with certain rights, the church and society emphasize the importance of maintaining ethical conduct, cultural respect, and family engagement in sensitive national matters.
This situation illustrates a broader challenge in Zambian governance: ensuring that legal actions do not erode societal values or ignore moral obligations.
It also highlights the pivotal role of religious institutions in shaping national dialogue, providing ethical guidance, and safeguarding cultural traditions.
Ultimately, the debate over the burial of late President Edgar Lungu serves as a reminder that law and morality must coexist, particularly in issues involving the dignity of the deceased and the sentiments of the living.