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The Zambian government has taken away retirement benefits and privileges from the former President, Edgar Lungu, after he decided to return to active politics. Lungu lost the presidency to Hakainde Hichilema in 2021 and had previously announced his retirement. However, the country still faces significant economic challenges from his six years in office. Lungu's return to politics sets the stage for a competitive presidential race in 2026. Government spokesperson Cornelius Mweetwa confirmed that Lungu has been notified about the immediate withdrawal of his retirement benefits, as it is stated in the law that former presidents who re-enter politics lose these privileges. These benefits include security officers, a diplomatic passport, state cars, a furnished house, medical insurance, funeral expenses, and immunity from prosecution. Mweetwa emphasized that Lungu will now be treated equal to any other senior citizen in the country. Lungu plans to capitalize on dissatisfaction with the current economic hardship under Hichilema's leadership and defend democracy. However, civil society groups have expressed concerns about the shrinking human rights freedoms in the country. The government has also threatened to deregister Lungu's factionalized ex-ruling party, the Patriotic Front, due to leadership disputes. The government spokesman dismissed Lungu's claim of being targeted by the ruling party's supporters, stating that the former president's security is as assured as any other citizen's. Lungu was warned against confrontational politics against President Hichilema's government, and his immunity from prosecution remains uncertain. In the past, Zambia's parliament has revoked immunity for two former presidents due to corruption allegations, and some members of the ruling party are calling for Lungu's immunity to be removed for alleged corruption during his presidency. However, Lungu has argued that these allegations are politically motivated.