The family of former Zambian president Edgar Lungu has lodged a formal appeal with South Africa’s Supreme Court of Appeal concerning a court ruling that ordered Lungu's remains be repatriated to Zambia for burial with state honors. The appeal, filed on February 9, 2026, comes after significant pressure from asset forfeiture actions in Zambia, where the Economic and Financial Crimes Court has ordered the confiscation of numerous properties and vehicles linked to Lungu and his family. This development raises critical questions about the motivations behind the appeal, especially given its timeliness following the court's asset seizure decision.

The appeal was filed nearly two months after South Africa’s Supreme Court granted the family leave to challenge the Pretoria High Court's August 8, 2025 ruling. The ruling stipulated that Lungu’s body should be returned to Zambia for a ceremonial burial, an act of state respect that the family appears to contest amidst escalating legal issues. Former first lady Esther Lungu is leading the appeal, which signifies the family's urgent attempt to navigate both legal hurdles and the implications of Lungu's legacy.

Contextually, this situation highlights the intersection of legal challenges and political legacies within Southern African countries, where asset forfeiture is increasingly being used as a tool in the fight against corruption. The Lungu family's appeal underscores the broader implications of governance and accountability in Zambia as they contend with the fallout from Edgar Lungu's presidency, his alleged misappropriation of state resources, and the ongoing financial strain manifesting through these legal proceedings.