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LUSAKA,ZAMBIA — Former Zambian President Edgar Lungu has accused President Hakainde Hichilema and the Zambia Police Inspector General of planning to arrest and detain him without justification. In a Facebook post on Wednesday, May 22, Lungu claimed 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.
This accusation follows Lungu's controversial suggestion of a possible government change before the 2026 elections, a statement perceived by many as a threat. His comments have 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 the matter.
Lungu's claims of house arrest and police harassment have raised concerns about democracy and human rights in Zambia. As a vocal critic of President Hichilema’s government, Lungu alleges persecution and political victimization.
The Patriotic Front (PF), Lungu's party, accuses the government of silencing opponents and calls for the release of Lungu and detained party members. Lungu had retired from politics after losing the presidency to Hichilema in 2021 but has since accused the government of targeting him and PF members to block his return to politics.
Adding to the controversy, Lungu’s wife, former First Lady Esther Lungu, faces accusations of corruption involving theft of motor vehicles and title deeds, allegations she denies.
Human rights organizations have called for restraint and urged the government to 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 in Zambia, a country with a history of peaceful power transitions. Many hope that this tradition will continue despite the current tensions.
