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Former Zambian President Edgar Lungu Wednesday claimed he is “practically under house arrest,” accusing police of planning to detain him “for no reason.” Lungu alleged that police were mobilizing to arrest him at night from his residence in Lusaka, the capital.
These accusations come just days after Lungu suggested a possible change of government before the 2026 general election. In response, Police Chief Graphael Musamba indicated that Lungu would be summoned to explain his remarks, as reported by local media.
Lungu announced his return to politics last October, prompting the government to revoke his retirement benefits. He had retired after losing the presidency to Hakainde Hichilema in 2021. Since then, Lungu has accused the government of targeting him and members of his Patriotic Front (PF) party to obstruct his political comeback.
Meanwhile, his wife, former First Lady Esther Lungu, faces accusations of corruption involving the theft of motor vehicles and title deeds, charges she denies. The government has denied targeting Lungu and urged him to allow his successor time to fulfill his campaign promises.
On Wednesday, Lungu claimed he had been subjected to numerous unconstitutional actions by the state since leaving office. He alleged that police were instructed to “ambush me at night, abduct, embarrass, and forcefully detain me like a hardcore criminal.”
“I have not committed any crime that would warrant the government, through the police, to start scheming against me in this manner,” Lungu asserted.
It remains unclear whether there is still a police presence at his home, and police did not immediately respond to the press’ inquiries on the matter. The presidency has maintained that it respects human rights and does not interfere with police operations.
During a church service last Sunday, Lungu hinted at a regime change before the next election, remarking that “a baby can be born before nine months.” Information Minister Cornelius Mweetwa stated that the government was “carefully studying” Lungu’s comments, describing them as “hair-raising and startling.”
This follows a police warning that Lungu could be arrested and prosecuted for “engaging in activities that disrupt public order and safety.” Recently, Lungu was seen interacting with crowds in Lusaka, reportedly assessing the high cost of doing business in the city.
In February, Lungu called for an early election, criticizing his successor’s handling of the economy. Last year, police warned him against jogging in public, describing his weekly workouts as “political activism.”
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