Zambia's President Hakainde Hichilema has abruptly ended the national mourning period of former President Edgar Lungu in an escalating stand-off between the family and the authorities about his burial plans.
It follows the last-minute cancellation of the return of Lungu's body from South Africa by his family on Wednesday, leaving the country uncertain about when and where the former leader will be buried.
In his address on Thursday evening, President Hakainde Hichilema announced an immediate end to the mourning period, saying the country needed to "resume normal life".
"The government has done everything possible to engage with the family of our departed sixth president," said Hichilema.
The national mourning period initially ran from 8 to 14 June but was later extended until 23 June, with flags flying at half-mast and radio stations playing solemn music.
