Zambian President Hakainde Hichilema on Thursday officially called off the national mourning period for the late former President Edgar Lungu, citing an impasse with the former leader’s family over funeral arrangements.

Initially extended by nine days to allow for the return of Lungu’s body from South Africa, the mourning period was abruptly concluded after the family halted repatriation, accusing the state of breaching prior agreements related to the funeral.

“We have exhausted all avenues to engage the family of the late President. A decision must now be made. As such, I announce the end of the national mourning period as of today, June 19,” President Hichilema said in a national address.

The president detailed the series of engagements held between his administration, Lungu’s relatives, and South African authorities.

He reaffirmed that the government had been fully prepared to receive and honor Lungu with military rites, expressing hope that he would still be laid to rest in his homeland.

According to Hichilema, the family’s sudden withdrawal from an earlier agreement to return the body this week came as a shock.

He expressed gratitude to the South African government, which had mobilized a military guard of honor for the late president.

“We sincerely apologize to President Cyril Ramaphosa, the South African government and its people for the unfortunate outcome,” he added.

The standoff took a public turn after Lungu’s family, through their lawyer Makebi Zulu, accused the government of breaching unspecified terms and said they no longer trusted the state to uphold Lungu’s final wishes.

“We find it extremely difficult to believe the government will keep its word,” the family said in a statement. “For that reason, the remains of President Lungu will not be returned today.”

Among the late leader’s personal wishes, according to his family, was that President Hichilema his longtime political rival does not attend his funeral or come near his body.

In response, Hichilema asserted that as a former Head of State, Lungu belonged to the nation, not only to his relatives. “Zambia has a right to mourn its leaders, regardless of political differences,” he stated.

The standoff has left Zambians in a state of confusion and disappointment, as questions mount over when and how the sixth Republican president will be laid to rest.

Lungu, who led Zambia from 2015 to 2021, died in South Africa earlier this month while undergoing treatment for an undisclosed illness.

His burial had been initially scheduled for Monday, June 23.