A dispute over the funeral of Zambia's former President Edgar Lungu has dragged on for 20 days and reached the court. The former president of Zambia died on June 5.

However, disagreements between his family and the government over the location and conduct of his funeral have delayed the cremation.

Lungu’s family insists on a private ceremony in Johannesburg, claiming he had wished for the current President Hichilema not to attend. In contrast, the government has prepared a grave in the official cemetery where past presidents were buried and wants a state funeral led by Hichilema.

The court has postponed the matter to August, but if both parties reach an agreement before then, the funeral may proceed. The issue has sparked national debate.