Former President Edgar Lungu has accused President Hakainde Hichilema and Zambia Police Inspector General Graphael Musamba of planning to arrest and detain him without justification. Lungu made the accusation in a Facebook post on Wednesday, May 22, stating that the police are preparing to arrest him at night from his home in Lusaka.
“…the police are under instructions to arrest me in the dark of the night any day by surprise!” Lungu wrote in his post.
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This allegation comes in the wake of Lungu’s controversial comments suggesting a possible change in government before the 2026 elections, a statement that many interpreted as a threat. His remarks have been condemned by political opponents and civil society groups.
In response, Police Chief Graphael Musamba announced that Lungu would be summoned to explain his “inciting” remarks. Local media reported that the police are taking Lungu’s statements seriously and are investigating.
Lungu’s claims of impending arrest and police harassment have raised concerns about democracy and human rights in Zambia. The former president, a vocal critic of Hichilema’s administration, alleges that he is being persecuted.
The Patriotic Front (PF), Lungu’s political party, has accused the government of silencing its opponents and demanded the release of Lungu and other detained party members. Lungu retired from politics after losing the presidency to Hichilema in 2021 but has since accused the government of victimizing him and PF members to prevent his political comeback.
Additionally, former First Lady Esther Lungu has been accused of corruption, including theft of motor vehicles and title deeds, charges which she denies.
Human rights organizations have called on the government to exercise restraint and respect Lungu’s rights, including his freedom of expression. The situation is being closely monitored by regional and international observers concerned about potential political instability. Zambia has a history of peaceful power transitions, and there is hope that this tradition will continue.
