Nakonde, June 12, 2025, ZANIS—The clergy in Nakonde District in Muchinga Province have urged the general public to mourn the late former Republican President Edgar Chagwa Lungu with love and peace.

Speaking in an interview with the Zambia News and Information Services (ZANIS) in Nakonde, after signing the book of condolence at the District Commissioner’s Office, Reverend Chisilila Mukuka of the Global House of Prayer Church said President Lungu deserves to be mourned in peace because he was a God-fearing person.

“We will remember him, especially in the Christian circle, as a man who declared October 18th as a National Day of Prayer,” Reverend Mukuka said.

Rev Mukuka emphasised that as a Christian nation, there was a need to pray together to receive favour from God.

She further urged the family and the Patriotic Front (PF) to mourn the late former President in peace and allow the government to accord him a dignified send-off as a former Republican President.

Rev Mukuka also urged the government to show maturity during this mourning period and not fall prey to provocative sentiments.

She further advised those fighting and bringing confusion over the funeral of the former President to allow the government to proceed with burial arrangements, saying President Lungu is a national hero who should be mourned in peace and dignity.

” Remember that this man who was your son, your uncle, your cousin, he is a government trophy from the moment he became a Republican President, he automatically gave up certain rights,” Rev. Mukuka emphasised.

And Rev Cliff Silupya of the African Methodist Episcopal Church also urged the public to mourn the former Head of State in a manner that portrays Christian values, as the late President was a Christian.

Rev Silupya added that the family and the party of the late former President should reach a compromise with the government to ensure he is accorded a state funeral, which is his entitlement.

He emphasised that the late former President Edgar Chagwa Lungu should be mourned peacefully, just like previous former Presidents, to avoid setting a bad precedent for future generations.

Rev Silupya cautioned those engaging in accusations and defamatory statements to stop.

“Let’s stop posting things that will bring fire; let’s stop commenting on things we don’t know, let’s stop commenting on things we don’t have ideas on,” Rev. Silupya appealed.