Ex-Zambian President Edgar Lungu to be buried in South Africa

The late former Zambian President Edgar Lungu during a discussion at the World Economic Forum on Africa 2017 meeting in Durban, South Africa May 4, 2017. [File]

Former Zambian President Edgar Lungu will be laid to rest in Johannesburg, South Africa, at a private family ceremony.

In a statement issued Friday, family spokesperson Makebi Zulu expressed deep appreciation for the outpouring of support from across the continent,and commended the South African government for its respect and non-interference in the family's decision.

"On behalf of the Lungu family, we wish to announce that the funeral and burial of our beloved Dr. Edgar Chagwa Lungu will take place here in South Africa, in accordance with the family's wishes for a private ceremony," the statement read.

"We would especially like to extend our sincere appreciation to the Government of the Republic of South Africa for their respectful support and for honoring the family's decision to hold a private funeral and burial here," it added.

Zulu noted that the family is only seeking peace and unity during the period of mourning and said further details on the funeral arrangements will be communicated in due course.

Lungu's burial in South Africa follows a public standoff with the Zambian government over funeral arrangements.

On Thursday, President Hakainde Hichilema abruptly ended the national mourning period, citing the family's refusal to return the body for burial in Zambia.

The family canceled the planned repatriation of Lungu's body on Wednesday, prompting President Hichilema to issue a statement acknowledging uncertainty over when and where the former Head of State would be buried.

In his address, Hichilema announced the immediate end of the mourning period, saying the nation must "resume normal life."

If carried out as planned, Lungu will become the first foreign head of state to be interred in South Africa.