Zambia's former President, Edgar Lungu, has been cautioned against his public jogging sessions, with the police labelling them "political activism". These Saturday runs, which he undertakes alongside ordinary citizens and supporters of his Patriotic Front (PF) party, have drawn significant attention. The police have now mandated Mr. Lungu to obtain their approval for any future jogging events, according to Yahoo News.
There are rumours that Lungu may run for president in 2026, which has led to a directive from the police. The order states that the police must approve any public gathering or demonstration to ensure public safety. Additionally, the police have said that any former head of state who wishes to hold a procession must do so with their security detail and without political activism. Failure to comply with these regulations would be considered a breach of the law.
However, Makebu Zulu, Lungu's lawyer, has asserted that the ex-president will persist with his jogging sessions without informing the police. Zulu also hinted at potential legal action against the government if Lungu, aged 66, faces any hindrance during his Saturday workouts. He emphasised, "Mr Lungu has been jogging since time immemorial and his motivation has never been to contravene the law."
This incident is the latest in a series of perceived restrictions on Lungu, who held the presidency from 2015 to 2021. Some analysts suggest that under President Hakainde Hichilema, the current government is employing the very tactics Hichilema once criticised.
For Nigerians and other African nations, this situation reflects the delicate balance of democracy, freedom of expression, and political manoeuvring on the continent.
There are rumours that Lungu may run for president in 2026, which has led to a directive from the police. The order states that the police must approve any public gathering or demonstration to ensure public safety. Additionally, the police have said that any former head of state who wishes to hold a procession must do so with their security detail and without political activism. Failure to comply with these regulations would be considered a breach of the law.
However, Makebu Zulu, Lungu's lawyer, has asserted that the ex-president will persist with his jogging sessions without informing the police. Zulu also hinted at potential legal action against the government if Lungu, aged 66, faces any hindrance during his Saturday workouts. He emphasised, "Mr Lungu has been jogging since time immemorial and his motivation has never been to contravene the law."
This incident is the latest in a series of perceived restrictions on Lungu, who held the presidency from 2015 to 2021. Some analysts suggest that under President Hakainde Hichilema, the current government is employing the very tactics Hichilema once criticised.
For Nigerians and other African nations, this situation reflects the delicate balance of democracy, freedom of expression, and political manoeuvring on the continent.
