body viewing II

So this past weekend was supposed to be round 2 to go see Mwanawasa's body. After the previous week's fiasco (near sunstroke waiting in line with 3000 Zambians and then giving up due to thirst and heat exhaustion), I was going to be waaay more prepared when going with Danielle and Katie on Sunday. Driving by on Saturday though, there was - amazing! - no line. Immediately call up Danielle and Kage to update on how easy viewing on Sunday was going to be.

Response from Kage: "Actually, I think the viewing is closed because the body is decomposing."

Yikes. So no body viewing - and unsurprising that somehow there wasn't some contingency plan for this happening (it's hot here; I guess it happens), but today's drive to work was greeted by the military lining the streets as Mwanawasa's body was being moved from the conference center where it was on display to State House. Got some snaps:

Basically for a 5 mile stretch between the High Court and State House, there were soldiers with rifles stationed every 20 feet on both sides of the street. Also, head shots of Mwanawasa are posted along every street in Lusaka.

The view from the front gate of our office, which is on the route between the High Court and State House. My covert photo taking as Kate, country director, thought I was going to get arrested for taking photos of soldiers. Chiku, Zambian co-worker said it was fine (and there was some camera-phone shooting happening galore down the street), but I was ultimately more scared of getting caught by Kate than the paramilitary, who didn't care. Although I did refrain from taking photos of the tanks that drove by as part of the procession. Looking like a spy trying to gather military secrets seemed like a clearly bad idea.

And finally: the president. Everyone on our street came out of their offices (neighboring Chinese restaurant, Kenyan embassy, etc.) to see the body pass by. This one a bit cut off because I was hiding behind Jill so Kate couldn't see me take photos.

Burial is tomorrow, and Sept. 3 will from now on be a national holiday (Mwanawasa's burial and his birthday). Not exactly a "holiday" you can celebrate, but from now on, I'll be able to drive by his grave site (in front of Parliament) twice a day going to and from work.

Date for the election is still not set, and MMD still has yet to put forth a leading candidate. VP Rupiah Banda is a current favorite, but Maureen Mwanawasa could supposedly come out with some clout to influence the ultimate decision if she divulges Mwanawasa's "last wishes." As usual, we'll have to wait and see.