BREAKING: African Statesmen Close Lungu Mediation with Dignity, Respect for Family Decisions

A quiet but consequential chapter in regional diplomacy has drawn to a close, as a team of eminent African mediators has issued a final statement, affirming the team’s respect for the decisions made by the Lungu family and expressing continued solidarity in light of unresolved matters between the conflicting parties.

After months of strained relations marked by political rivalry and later disputes over funeral arrangements between Lungu’s family, his political party Patriotic Front (PF), and President Hakainde Hichilema’s administration, a mediated agreement had been reached between the Lungu family and President Hichilema’s government. However, disputes persisted on Lungu’s final burial and rites, as well as, whether  President Hichilema might attend. President Lungu died on June 5, 2025 in South Africa while undergoing medical treatment—travel he made after political and public tension over access to care. In the preceding years, he had faced court rulings barring him from future elections and back and forth accusations of political harassment from both political sides. It is to be noted that President Lungu did not die in exile, and was not undergoing any criminal trial in Zambian courts.

The mediating team was chaired by former President of Malawi, Dr. Bakili Muluzi, a widely respected figure in African peace diplomacy known for his quiet statesmanship and role in regional mediation. It also included Mama Graça Machel, a revered humanitarian and global advocate for peace, who lent her moral authority and long-standing experience in post-conflict reconciliation to the process; and HRH Prince Estifanos Matewos of Ethiopia, a global figure in politics, governance and traditional affairs, who brought forward the Pan-African vision and spiritual leadership to guide the team’s engagement with cultural and political sensitivity.

The statement was delivered by His Highness Prince Estifanos Matewos on Tuesday June 24, 2025, acknowledged that the process did not produce all the anticipated outcomes, however, commended the dignity and grace with which the family conducted themselves and offered continued moral and diplomatic support going forward. Rather than presenting the conclusion as a failure, the mediators framed it as a dignified pause in a longer journey of reconciliation. They reaffirmed their unwavering support for the Lungu family, offering continued prayers and presence, while making clear their readiness to assist in resolving any outstanding matters between the Zambian and South African governments.

“We reaffirm, with humility and conviction, our enduring commitment to reconciliation, unity, and the respectful engagement of all parties involved,” Prince Estifanos stated. “We extend our heartfelt gratitude to the people of Zambia, and to communities across the continent, for their patience, prayers, and steadfast belief in the power of African-led dialogue to resolve African challenges with dignity and wisdom.”