• Edgar Lungu’s return to politics may intensify leadership disputes within the Patriotic Front (PF).
• Miles Sampa claims to be the PF president, adding complexity to the situation.
• Accusations that the government is fueling divisions are denied by the Information Minister

Amid enthusiastic applause from his followers, former Zambian President Edgar Lungu has officially declared his return to politics.

He had stepped away from the political arena in 2021 following a resounding electoral loss after serving a six-year term that left the nation burdened by debt and grappling with economic challenges.

Now, Lungu seeks to leverage the mounting discontent with his successor, Hakainde Hichilema. While his comeback had been expected for some time, this marks the first formal confirmation of his intentions.

“I am ready to fight from the front, not from the rear, in defense of democracy. Those who are ready for this fight, please come along with me, I am ready for anything,” Mr. Lungu told his backers on Saturday. He was speaking at a commemoration service to former president and leader of his Patriotic Front (PF) party, Michael Sata, who died in office in 2014.

In the two years since Mr. Lungu’s departure from power, the Patriotic Front (PF) has been embroiled in a leadership dispute that has even landed in the courts.

Edgar Lungu’s reentry into the political scene could potentially exacerbate tensions and prolong the legal battle, especially as Miles Sampa, who claims to have been elected as PF president in a recent meeting, adds another layer of complexity.

Various parties, including the former president, have accused the government of fueling these divisions, a claim that the government denies.

Information Minister Cornelius Mweetwa emphasized Mr. Lungu’s constitutional right to reengage in politics and welcomed his return to the political arena.

Hakainde Hichilema, who secured the presidency in the 2021 election after six previous attempts, came to power with a promise to address the country’s economic challenges.

However, these high expectations are taking time to materialize, and public patience is wearing thin.

While President Hichilema has successfully negotiated a bailout agreement with the International Monetary Fund and restructured loan agreements with Chinese and other creditors, the average consumer is grappling with soaring prices for essential goods and fuel, causing frustration with the political leadership.

Additionally, the government has faced criticism from 13 prominent civil society organizations for what they describe as “growing intolerance for dissent.” In a joint statement, these organizations voiced concerns about the diminishing space for freedom of expression and assembly in the country.

The presidency has defended its commitment to human rights and denied interference in police operations, despite past claims of an alleged disregard for dissenting voices.

Notably, police previously cautioned Mr. Lungu against his public jogging sessions, deeming them “political activism” and requesting future events to receive police approval.

These Saturday runs, where he engaged with the public and PF supporters, drew significant attention.

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