Former Zambian President Edgar Lungu’s routine jogs with the public have raised concerns among authorities, who view these workouts as potential “political activism.” This development underscores a growing tension between Lungu and the current government, led by President Hakainde Hichilema.
Jogging as a Political Act
Edgar Lungu, Zambia’s former head of state, has found himself in an unexpected controversy surrounding his weekly jogs. These public runs, where he joins ordinary citizens and members of his Patriotic Front (PF) party, have attracted significant attention.
Authorities, however, have issued a stern warning to Lungu, advising him to seek police approval for future jogging events. According to a police statement, the PF’s failure to notify them of these gatherings is considered a breach of the law, emphasizing the need for public safety. Additionally, the police insist that any procession involving a former president should be conducted with their security detail and should remain apolitical.
A Defiant Response
In response to the police warning, Lungu’s lawyer, Makebu Zulu, has stated that the former president intends to continue his Saturday jogs without notifying the police. Zulu even raised the possibility of legal action against the government if Lungu faces obstacles in maintaining his jogging routine.
Zulu asserted that Lungu’s motivation for these jogs has never been to contravene the law but rather to engage in a healthy activity with the public.
A History of Restrictions
This is not the first time Lungu has faced apparent restrictions on his activities. He served as president from 2015 to 2021 and has since engaged in legal battles with the government. Recently, Lungu took the government to court over alleged travel restrictions, claiming he was prevented from attending a conference in South Korea. Ultimately, he withdrew the case. Additionally, Lungu’s party, the PF, stated that he was denied permission to travel for a medical trip despite seeking approval from the cabinet office.
A Revival in Politics
Despite initially stating that he would retire from politics after losing the 2021 election, Lungu has been gradually reviving his public profile in recent months. It is widely believed that he intends to contest the presidency in the next elections, scheduled for 2026, capitalizing on growing public frustration over rising prices for fuel and food.
President Hakainde Hichilema secured a significant victory in the 2021 elections, promising to address Zambia’s economic challenges. This marked a departure from his previous unsuccessful presidential bids. However, the tensions between Lungu and Hichilema’s administration appear to be escalating, raising questions about the direction of Zambian politics in the coming years.
The situation surrounding Lungu’s jogs exemplifies the complex relationship between political figures and public activities, with the boundary between personal pursuits and political symbolism becoming increasingly blurred in Zambia’s evolving political landscape.
