Former President Edgar Lungu of Zambia was accused of participating in unlawful assembly and “political activism” when his morning workout routine became a political event attended by members of his Patriotic Front (PF) party. 

In a statement released over the weekend, the country’s police asserted that Mr Lungu’s exercise routines, often conducted in the company of his Patriotic Front (PF) party members and without his security detail, constitute “unlawful assembly.” 

“We would like to warn the Patriotic Front cadres that public gatherings or demonstrations, including political events, should be notified to the police as by law established,” the police said in a statement published by the Zambian Observer. 

It added, “Failure to do so amounts to a breach of the law. This is to ensure public safety, traffic management, and to prevent disruptions to the daily lives of citizens.” 

Rae Hamoonga, the police spokesperson, emphasised the need for strict adherence to security protocols and urged the former president to abstain from engaging in political activism during these public appearances. 

This directive comes on the heels of Mr Lungu’s recent legal dispute with the government, where he alleged being prevented from travelling to South Korea for a conference. Notably, Mr Lungu eventually withdrew the case.

The political landscape in Zambia has been in flux since Mr Lungu’s six-year presidency ended following his defeat in the 2021 presidential election, which saw Hakainde Hichilema emerge as the victor. 

Amidst ongoing political developments, there is widespread speculation that Mr Lungu is contemplating a comeback in the 2026 elections, making his public activities a subject of heightened scrutiny.