Former Zambian president ordered to stop 'political' jogging

A police spokesman said Mr Lungu's group jogging had disrupted traffic. Photo: Salim Henry/State House

Zambia's former president was told police had stopped public jogging with his supporters, with officers calling the jogging «political activism.»

Police said Edgar Lungu was training with escorts members of his Patriotic Front (PF) party amounted to an “illegal assembly.” They said he should only be accompanied by official bodyguards.

The 66-year-old former head of state was ordered to notify police in advance when he plans to jog in the future «to ensure public safety and traffic control.» «.

Mr Lungu ceded power to incumbent President Hakainda Hichilema in 2021 and announced his retirement from politics soon after. However, it is widely believed that he is considering returning to the country ahead of the 2026 elections.

A police statement said officers had «noted with concern the illegal gatherings and political activity being carried out by patriotic cadres… … when the former president went for a morning jog.»

Ray Hamunga, a police spokesman, said Mr Lungu's group jogging had disrupted traffic. He added that such gatherings “must be reported to the police as required by law.”

“Failure to do so amounts to breaking the law,” Mr. Hamunga said.

He added , that such meetings “should be reported to the police, as prescribed by law.”

warned that such manifestations will no longer be tolerated.

Anti-corruption witch hunt

“Such a procession of the former head of state should be carried out with the participation of his security service and without political activity,” Mr. Hamunga said.

Last week, Mr Lungu sued the Zambian government, claiming it illegally barred him from traveling to South Korea for a world peace conference. He later retracted his accusations.

Mr Hichilema toppled Mr Lungu's government with a landslide election victory in what is considered one of southern Africa's strongest democracies.

Mr Lungu and his supporters achieved this. as it is alleged that the former president was the victim of a politically motivated anti-corruption witch hunt. Mr Hichilema said the fight against corruption was not about targeting his political opponents.

Earlier this month, Zambian police arrested Mr Lungu's wife, Esther.

Ey and four other people were charged. with vehicle theft. The former first lady was also charged with possession of property allegedly obtained from criminal activity.

Her lawyer called the charges “highly absurd.”