…As he receives warn reception in Easter Province…
The Editor Zambia
President Hakainde Hichilema’s assurance that former President Edgar Chagwa Lungu will be accorded a dignified burial with full military honours deserves commendation from all fair-minded Zambians. 
At a time when political misinformation and accusations have dominated public discourse surrounding the delayed burial of Zambia’s sixth Republican President, President Hichilema has demonstrated statesmanship by making it clear that government remains committed to honouring President Lungu in a manner befitting a former Head of State and Commander-in-Chief.
Speaking during the funeral proceedings of Paramount Chief Mphezeni IV at Ephendukeni Palace in Chipata, President Hichilema endorsed calls for a dignified burial for President Lungu and urged all parties involved to work together to bring closure to a matter that has remained unresolved for an extended period.
“It is our duty to bury him with the military protocols. He was commander-in-chief of our country,” President Hichilema said, adding that all stakeholders should unite in ensuring that Zambia’s sixth president is laid to rest with dignity and honour.
These remarks should finally put to rest the persistent allegations by some opposition figures and commentators who have sought to portray the president as being responsible for the delayed burial.
The Head of State’s public commitment to granting President Lungu full military honours clearly demonstrates that the government has never abandoned its responsibility to honour a former national leader.
In fact, many observers have pointed out that the prolonged delay has largely been linked to disagreements and unresolved matters involving the late president’s family and other interested parties.
Rather than inflame tensions or engage in political exchanges, President Hichilema has consistently maintained a respectful and conciliatory position, choosing national unity over political point-scoring.
Equally significant was the overwhelming reception that President Hichilema received from thousands of people in Eastern Province.
The massive turnout of ordinary citizens who lined up to welcome him was a powerful statement that many people have rejected the narrative that he is responsible for the delayed burial of President Lungu.
The warm reception was not merely a gesture of courtesy to a sitting president but reflected growing public confidence in President Hichilema’s leadership and appreciation for the development programmes being implemented under his administration.
The people of Eastern Province appeared eager to demonstrate that they can distinguish between political propaganda and reality.
For many citizens, development is speaking louder than political rhetoric. Across the country, communities are witnessing the impact of government programmes such as the Constituency Development Fund (CDF), which has empowered local authorities to undertake projects that directly benefit ordinary people.
Schools, health facilities, youth empowerment initiatives, and community infrastructure projects have become visible symbols of progress.
The agricultural sector, which remains the backbone of many rural communities, has also received significant attention. Increased support for farming, agro-processing initiatives, and broader rural development programmes have strengthened livelihoods and contributed to economic activity in many parts of the country, including Eastern Province.
It is, therefore, not surprising that many residents in the province used the occasion of the Mphezeni funeral to demonstrate their support for a president they believe is delivering tangible results.
The contrast between the reception accorded to President Hichilema and the response received by some opposition figures was equally revealing. While some members of the Tonse Alliance have attempted to present a different version of events on their platforms, reports from the ground suggested that sections of the crowd were not receptive to their messages.
Meanwhile, President Hichilema was warmly welcomed and applauded throughout his visit.
This suggests that ordinary citizens are increasingly focused on leadership, development, and national unity rather than divisive political narratives.
The people of Eastern Province have effectively sent a message that they value performance and results.
As Zambia moves forward, President Hichilema’s remarks on the burial of former President Lungu and the public response he received in Chipata offer important lessons. Leadership requires maturity, compassion, and the ability to place national interests above partisan considerations.
By publicly supporting a dignified burial for President Lungu and continuing to focus on development and unity, President Hichilema has demonstrated qualities that resonate with many Zambians.
The warm reception he received in Eastern Province is evidence that many citizens recognise these efforts and remain confident in his leadership as the country looks ahead to the future.
