Former Zambian President Edgar Lungu claims he is “practically under house arrest,” alleging that police are plotting to detain him “for no reason.”
Lungu stated that police were preparing to arrest him at night from his residence in Lusaka, the capital.
This situation arises shortly after Lungu suggested there could be a change of government before the 2026 general election.
Police chief Graphael Musamba reportedly said Lungu would be summoned to explain his remarks.
Lungu re-entered the political arena last October, which led to the government withdrawing his retirement benefits. He had previously retired from politics after losing the presidency to Hakainde Hichilema in 2021.
Lungu has accused the government of targeting him and members of his Patriotic Front (PF) party to prevent his political comeback.
His wife, former First Lady Esther Lungu, faces corruption allegations related to theft of motor vehicles and title deeds, which she denies.
The government denies targeting Lungu and has urged him to allow his successor time to fulfill campaign promises.
On Wednesday, Lungu claimed he had faced 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 am not aware of any crime I have committed that would justify the government, through the police, scheming against me in this manner,” Lungu added.
It remains unclear if there is still a police presence at his home on Thursday, and police have not responded to BBC inquiries.
The presidency maintains it respects human rights and does not interfere with police operations.
At a church service last Sunday, Lungu hinted at a regime change before the next election, stating “a baby can be born before nine months.”
Information Minister Cornelius Mweetwa said the government was “carefully studying” Lungu’s remarks, describing them as “hair-raising and startling.”
A few days ago, police warned Lungu that he risked arrest and prosecution for “engaging in activities that disrupt public order and safety.”
Two weeks ago, Lungu drew a crowd in Lusaka while assessing the reported high cost of doing business in the city.
In February, Lungu called for early elections, accusing his successor of mismanaging the economy.
Last year, Lungu was cautioned against jogging in public, with police describing his workouts as “political activism.”
Meanwhile, a human rights organization has urged the Zambian government to overturn the conviction of opposition official Raphael Nakacinda, who was sentenced on May 17 for allegedly defaming President Hichilema.
Human Rights Watch (HRW) stated that Nakacinda’s 18-month prison sentence would have “a broad chilling effect” on freedom of expression in Zambia.
The Zambian government has yet to respond to the HRW statement.
