Continuity mistake: When M'Baku challenges T'Challa, the decorations near his neck are in a different position between him facing the crowd, and him turning to face T'Challa.
Black Panther (2018)
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Directed by: Ryan Coogler
Starring: Michael B. Jordan, Chadwick Boseman, Lupita Nyong'o, Danai Gurira
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T'Challa: We can still heal you...
Erik Killmonger: Why, so you can lock me up? Nah. Just bury me in the ocean with my ancestors who jumped from ships, 'cause they knew death was better than bondage.
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Answer: Zuri feels guilty for his role in the death of Killmonger's father, which is why he tells Killmonger to kill him instead of T'Challa. While Zuri himself probably doesn't actually want to die, I don't think he wants Killmonger dead either, which is why he wouldn't kill him. Also, as a royal advisor, it would probably be looked down upon by the other tribes if he violated the rules of the ritual combat. After all, one combatant has to defeat the other in order to rightfully claim the throne.
Phaneron ★
Zuri may not want Killmonger to die, but he knew that the duel would only end once one of the contestants would either surrender or die, meaning Killmonger would stil win or kill T'Challa. It seems a rather low price to be looked down upon or fired if it means your country doesn't go to war. At least, that would be a small price to pay for keeping the peace.