The Zambian government has taken swift action to withdraw the retirement benefits and privileges of former President Edgar Lungu following his decision to re-enter active politics.

Lungu, who previously served as president before losing the 2021 election to Hakainde Hichilema, had initially announced his retirement after completing a challenging six-year term that left Zambia as Africa’s most indebted nation.

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Lungu’s return to the political scene has set the stage for a highly anticipated 2026 presidential race.

In response, the government has enforced the immediate withdrawal of his retirement benefits and privileges, citing the law, which explicitly states that former presidents returning to politics forfeit these entitlements.

As a retired president, Lungu had enjoyed various privileges, including security personnel, a diplomatic passport, state vehicles, a furnished residence, medical coverage, and funeral expenses.

He benefited from immunity from prosecution.

However, these privileges have now been revoked, and he will be treated according to the law, just like any other senior citizen of the country.

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Lungu’s return to politics is driven by his desire to address Zambia’s ongoing economic challenges, defend democracy in the nation, and attempt to unify his factionalized former ruling Patriotic Front party, which faces potential deregistration due to leadership disputes.

Despite Lungu’s claims of being targeted by supporters of the ruling United Party for National Development (UPND), government spokesman Cornelius Mweetwa has dismissed these allegations as unfounded.

He emphasized that Lungu’s safety is as protected as that of any other citizen. However, Lungu has been cautioned against adopting a confrontational approach towards President Hichilema’s government.

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The revocation of Lungu’s immunity from prosecution remains uncertain, as Zambia’s parliament has previously removed immunity from 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 his prosecution on allegations of corruption during his presidency, which Lungu contends are politically motivated. The situation surrounding his immunity continues to be a subject of ongoing debate and scrutiny.