Mr. Lungu had publicly declared his retirement from politics in 2021 After losing the Zambian presidency to Hakainde Hichilema.
Having served for six years, he departed, leaving the country to grapple with serious economic issues, cementing its status as the most indebted nation in Africa.
With his return to the political fold, the stage is set for a gruelling 2026 presidential competition.
As per government spokesman Cornelius Mweetwa, the former president has been informed of the abrupt termination of his retirement benefits and privileges.
His statement highlighted the legal provision clearly outlining the forfeiture of benefits for former presidents rejoining politics.
Retired President Mr. Lungu had the right to three security officers, a diplomatic passport, three official vehicles, a furnished residence, medical insurance, and funeral costs upon his passing.
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Additionally, he was immune from prosecution during his tenure.
Mr. Mweetwa announced in a press conference on Wednesday that the former leader would henceforth be subject to the “equality of the law,” much like any other esteemed citizen of the nation.
Mr. Lungu is looking to take advantage of the increasing dissatisfaction stemming from the prolonged economic difficulties during his successor’s tenure.
Various civil society groups have also voiced concern over what they termed as the “contracting” human rights freedoms in the country.
Additionally, he pledged to salvage his factional ex-ruling Patriotic Front party from disintegration.
The government has threatened to deregister the party over infighting regarding leadership.
When revealing his political return last week, Mr. Lungu stated that his purpose was to reenter the fray and protect democracy within the country.
The government spokesperson rebuffed Mr. Lungu’s recent declaration that supporters of the ruling United Party for National Development (UPND) had him in their sights.
He dismissed Mr. Lungu’s assertion about his life being at risk as a “mere false alarm,” emphasizing that the former leader was as secure as “any other citizen.
“However, Mr. Lungu was cautioned against adopting a confrontational political approach towards President Hichilema’s government.
In the previous month, Mr. Lungu received a caution against public jogging, with the police labeling his weekly exercise routine as “political activism.”
It’s unclear whether his immunity from prosecution will be revoked.
The right to immunity for two former presidents, Frederick Chiluba in 2002 and Rupiah Banda in 2013, was rescinded by Zambia’s parliament.
Certain members of the ruling UPND have been pushing for the withdrawal of his immunity and his prosecution for alleged corruption during his term. Mr. Lungu dismissed the accusations as politically motivated.