FDD fires at judiciary, presidency; says Dalitso’s travails product of witch-hunt on late president Lungu’s family

Zambia’s Forum for Democracy and Development (FDD) on Tuesday criticised a High Court decision ordering the forfeiture of property linked to Dalitso Lungu, son of former president Edgar Lungu, describing the ruling as politically influenced and an “assault” on the Lungu family.

The Economic and Financial Crimes Court last week ordered the state seizure of 69 vehicles valued at more than K24 million and 25 pieces of land, ruling the assets were tainted and unexplained.

In a statement, FDD spokesperson, Anthony Chibuye, said the judgement had subjected the Lungu family to “pain and trauma under the guise of a corruption fight,” accusing the judicial system of falling under political influence.

“The Forum for Democracy and Development is highly concerned with the level to which our judicial system has fallen in the hands of those who wield political power,” Chibuye said.

Read More: It’s official! Ex-president Lungu’s son, Daliso, forfeits 69 vehicles, 25 properties to govt over unexplained wealth

He alleged that individuals aligned with the ruling United Party for National Development (UPND) were receiving “predictable outcomes” in court cases, and claimed key institutions such as the National Prosecutions Authority and Attorney General’s chambers were staffed by “UPND cadres.” The ruling party has previously denied accusations of political interference in the judiciary.

Chibuye said the current forfeiture laws amount to a “witch-hunt” and pledged that an FDD government would seek to raise the burden of proof required for asset seizure.

He also urged the church and other faith groups to take a more active role ahead of Zambia’s 2026 general elections, saying the country needed religious leadership to counter what he called “evil forces” in governance.

“Zambians are living as slaves in their own country while those in authority have auctioned the nation’s interests to foreigners,” Chibuye said, calling on Christian, Muslim and Hindu communities to join in “liberatory prayers” for the country.

The government has not responded to the latest FDD statements.

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