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Police in Lusaka have cordoned off the Patriotic Front (PF) Secretariat on Panganani Road to prevent former President Edgar Lungu from holding a scheduled media briefing.
Police officers, armed with anti-riot vehicles, have surrounded the premises, denying entry to any individual.
A routine check by Zambia Monitor observed officers conducting security drills at the scene, preparing for potential unrest.
The police presence at the PF Secretariat appears to be part of a broader clampdown that coincided with the 10th memorial of the late 5th Republican President Michael Sata.
The annual service for Sata, conducted by Lusaka Archdiocese Catholic Bishop Dr. Alick Banda, took place at the Cathedral of the Child Jesus at Pope Square.
However, on Monday morning, police also blocked the entrances to the Cathedral, disrupting the memorial preparations. Bishop Banda and other church leaders were prevented from accessing the venue until around 10:00 a.m., when a compromise was reached with the police, allowing the service to proceed.
Hundreds of Lusaka residents attended the event once the police barricades were lifted.
PF faction Vice President Given Lubinda addressed the situation, explaining that Lungu’s absence at Sata’s memorial service would be clarified during the rescheduled media briefing at the PF Secretariat.
“Today marks a special day as we gather at the Cathedral of the Child Jesus to honor Michael Chilufya Sata. Our president, Edgar Chagwa Lungu, should have led, but he is not here, and I will not pre-empt the reasons because we have a press briefing tomorrow at the party Secretariat,” Lubinda stated.
The memorial for Sata has historically been a significant event for PF members and supporters, underscoring the party’s legacy and connection to the late leader.
However, this year, heightened security tensions and Lungu’s conspicuous absence have fueled speculation within political circles.
In addition to sealing off the PF Secretariat, police have also cordoned off Embassy Park, where Lungu and PF faction leaders were scheduled to lay a wreath in honour of Sata.
Heavily armed officers remain stationed at the park, restricting access and maintaining a watchful presence.
The police’s actions have raised questions among PF members and supporters about the government’s stance toward opposition activities, as tensions within Zambian politics continue to escalate.
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