• Zambian ex-president Edgar Lungu was stripped of retirement benefits.
• Edgar Lungu lost the presidency to Hakainde Hichilema in 2021.
• The govt has threatened to de-register the party due to leadership disputes.

The government of Zambia has opted to strip former President Edgar Lungu of his retirement benefits and privileges as a result of his decision to reenter active politics.

Lungu, who lost the presidency to Hakainde Hichilema in 2021 and initially announced his retirement, has returned to politics, setting the stage for the 2026 presidential race.

Government spokesman Cornelius Mweetwa confirmed that Lungu has been notified of the immediate withdrawal of his retirement benefits and privileges. The law stipulates that former presidents who rejoin politics will forfeit these benefits.

Lungu had entitlements that included security officers, a diplomatic passport, state cars, a furnished house, medical insurance, and funeral expenses, along with immunity from prosecution as a retired president.

Lungu will be treated “equally under the law,” just like any other senior citizen of the country, according to Mweetwa following this decision.

Lungu’s return to politics aims to capitalize on growing dissatisfaction with the economic challenges Zambia faces under his successor. Civil society groups have expressed concerns about the diminishing human rights freedoms in the country.

Lungu stated his intention to fight for and defend democracy in Zambia while pledging to save his factionalized ex-ruling Patriotic Front party from disintegration in his announcement of a political comeback.

The government has threatened to de-register the party due to leadership disputes. Although Lungu has claimed that supporters of the ruling United Party for National Development (UPND) were targeting him, the government spokesman refuted these claims, describing them as a “mere false alarm” and ensuring Lungu’s security.

However, Lungu was cautioned against engaging in confrontational politics against President Hichilema’s government. It remains uncertain whether his immunity from prosecution will be lifted.

Zambia’s parliament previously revoked immunity for two former presidents, Frederick Chiluba in 2002 and Rupiah Banda in 2013.

Some members of the ruling UPND have called for the removal of Lungu’s immunity and prosecution for alleged corruption during his tenure, which Lungu has dismissed as politically motivated allegations.

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