Zambia's Former President Lungu Back to Active Politics

Former Zambian President Edgar Lungu has announced his return to active politics to lead the main opposition Patriotic Front (PF) party once again. In a speech on Saturday marking the ninth memorial anniversary of the late President Michael Sata, Lungu accused President Hakainde Hichilema of using state institutions to annihilate Zambia’s largest opposition party. This, after Miles Sampa held what the PF calls an illegal convention and took over the party’s leadership. Government spokesman Cornelius Mweetwa said neither President Hichilema nor the ruling UPND was involved in what he called an PF intra-party dispute. Patriotic Front acting president Given Lubinda tells VOA’s James Butty, there was no vacancy in the post for PF leadership, and that Miles Sampa is receiving state support.