Zambian Ex-president Stripped of Retirement Benefits

Zambia’s government has withdrawn retirement benefits and privileges from former President Edgar Lungu following his decision to return to active politics.

Mr Lungu lost the presidency to Hakainde Hichilema in 2021, after which he announced his retirement.

After six years in office he left the country facing serious economic issues as Africa’s most indebted nation.

His return to politics sets the stage for a bruising 2026 presidential race.

The former president has already been notified about the immediate withdrawal of his retirement benefits and privileges, according to government spokesman Cornelius Mweetwa.

He said it was clearly stated in the law that former presidents who returned to politics would lose their benefits.

As a retired president, Mr Lungu was entitled to three security officers, a diplomatic passport, three state cars, a furnished house, medical insurance and funeral expenses on his death.

He also enjoyed immunity from prosecution.

In a press conference on Wednesday, Mr Mweetwa said the former leader would now be treated with “equality of the law”, just like any other senior citizen of the country.

Last month, Mr Lungu was warned against jogging in public, with police describing his weekly workouts as “political activism”.

It is not yet clear whether his immunity from prosecution will be removed.