Ex-President claims plot to arrest him

Former Zambian President Edgar Lungu is accusing President Hakainde Hichilema and the Police Inspector-General of plotting to arrest and detain him without justification. In a recent Facebook post, Lungu said 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!’ the post read, according to an Africa News report. This follows Lungu's controversial suggestion of a possible government change before the 2026 elections, seen by many as a threat. His statement has been condemned by political opponents and civil society groups. Police Chief Graphael Musamba stated that Lungu will be summoned to explain his ‘inciting’ remarks. Local media report that the police are taking Lungu’s statement seriously and are investigating. Lungu's claims of house arrest and police harassment have raised concerns about democracy and human rights in Zambia. Lungu, a vocal critic of President Hakainde Hichilema’s Government, alleges persecution. His wife, former First Lady Esther Lungu, has been accused of corruption involving cases of theft of motor vehicles and title deeds. She denies the allegations. Human rights organisations have called for restraint and urged the government to respect Lungu’s rights.

Full africanews report