Zambia’s government has decided to revoke the retirement benefits and privileges of former President Edgar Lungu as a consequence of his return to active politics.
Mr. Lungu lost the presidency to Hakainde Hichilema in 2021, after which he announced his retirement.
During his six-year tenure, Zambia faced severe economic challenges as Africa’s most indebted nation.
Mr. Lungu’s reentry into politics sets the stage for a competitive 2026 presidential race.
The government has formally notified Mr. Lungu of the immediate withdrawal of his retirement benefits and privileges, as stipulated by the law for former presidents who rejoin politics.
These privileges included security officers, a diplomatic passport, state cars, a furnished house, medical insurance, funeral expenses, and immunity from prosecution.
Government spokesman Cornelius Mweetwa emphasized that Mr. Lungu would now be treated equally under the law, just like any other senior citizen of the country.
Mr. Lungu’s return to politics is driven by a desire to address the ongoing economic challenges in Zambia and to defend democracy.
He also aims to salvage his factionalized Patriotic Front party from potential collapse, as the government has threatened to deregister the party due to leadership disputes.
While Mr. Lungu claimed that supporters of the ruling United Party for National Development (UPND) were targeting him, the government spokesman dismissed these allegations as baseless, asserting that the former leader’s security was as assured as any other citizen’s.
However, Mr. Lungu has been cautioned against engaging in confrontational politics against President Hichilema’s government.
There is uncertainty regarding the removal of his immunity from prosecution, as Zambia’s parliament has previously revoked the immunity of two former presidents, Frederick Chiluba in 2002 and Rupiah Banda in 2013.
Some members of the UPND have called for the removal of Mr. Lungu’s immunity and prosecution for alleged corruption during his tenure, while he has characterized these allegations as politically motivated.
Source-BBC
