Former President of Zambia Edgar Lungu has been warned by the police that his morning jogs are turning into “political activism” and that he must seek police approval for such gatherings. The police have raised concerns about what they see as “unlawful assembly and political activism” by Lungu and his Patriotic Front (PF) party supporters during his morning jogging routine.
The police spokesperson, Rae Hamoonga, stated that public gatherings should be notified to the police, implying that Lungu’s jogs with his supporters require police clearance to ensure safety.
However, Lungu’s lawyer, Makebi Zulu, countered the police’s assertion, stating that there is no law that requires a police permit for such events. He accused the police of violating the law and argued that their actions could lead to anarchy.
Lungu, who served as Zambia’s president from 2015 until he lost the 2021 election, continues to enjoy support from his followers. His presence at public events can draw large crowds of supporters.
The police warning highlights the ongoing political tensions in Zambia, where the relationship between the ruling party and opposition figures remains contentious.