Zambian government will grow increasingly defensive

Subject

Embattled president.

Significance

A beleaguered President Edgar Lungu and his ruling Patriotic Front (PF) government is renewing its populist posturing and authoritarian repression as support for the opposition appears to grow. While the government maintains its clampdown on dissent, some within the PF are becoming increasingly frustrated with Lungu -- questioning whether he should be the party’s standard-bearer for the 2021 elections.

Impacts

• Recent corruption allegations against Lungu and his associates will further dent Lusaka's increasingly hollow anti-graft credentials.
• Washington may face civil society pressure to review some 500 million dollars in US aid and grants given to Lusaka annually.
• Added to concerns over indebtedness to China, worsening US-Zambia relations could scupper Lusaka's prospects of a new IMF funding deal.