Former Presidents
By Dickson Jere
Zambia has had four former Presidents in her 60th year of existence as a country. All the four former Presidents have had similar problems post their presidency. And yet as a country, we have not learnt lessons and developed a comprehensive framework to look after our former Presidents apart from the outdated Benefits of Former President Act that gives them retirement house, security and office subject to them being out of active politics.
Let me look at briefly what transpired with the four former Presidents;
1. Dr Kenneth Kaunda (KK) – Upon leaving office, he was subjected to searches by the newly elected MMD government. He was accused of stealing books and all. Later in 1996, he was shot at while addressing a rally in Kabwe. His benefits were withheld on account of being active in politics as he remained UNIP leader after he returned to active politics. KK dignity was only restored by President Levy Mwanawasa who gave him some comfort and support after assuming office in 2001.
2. Dr. Frederick Chiluba (FTJ) – he was equally subjected to searches and arrest following the lifting of his immunity by parliament. His clothes and shoes were embarrassingly displayed to the public in an attempt to show that he was a “Lazo”. He endured a long corruption court case that eventually had a toll on him. Chiluba dignity as former President was only restored after 2008 when President Rupiah Banda became President.
3. Rupiah Banda (RB) – His immunity was lifted and subsequently arrested on corruption charges. His benefits were withheld and subjected to court proceedings in the subordinate courts. His attempt to seek medical treatment abroad was frequently denied even when court allowed him to travel. He was blocked at the airport before departure. He fumed! His dignity was only retorted when President Edgar Lungu took office.
4. Edgar Lungu (ECL) – he similarly, is going through the same troubles like his colleagues KK and RB. His benefits have been withdrawn on account of him being active in politics as it is proscribed by law. He has had encounters with the police and all. Even though he has not been arrested, he is going through tribulations.
Have we learnt any lessons as a country from the above cases?
I believe that former Presidents must be allowed to keep state their security – whether in politics or not – as they remain state property. US does the same and that is why Donald Trump move with state security. You do not want former President to be attacked or kidnapped by unknown persons. It will be embarrassing to the nation and its people.
Former Presidents office must be kept open at all times – to coordinate their activities. This must be manned by trained civil servants who should coordinate their movements and all. For instance, if former President wants to visit the police, his office should coordinate with the IG so that he is received by high ranking officers and taken to a comfortable office. He is former Commander In-Chief and therefore remains so! His office must always exist…to Plan and liaise with Cabinet Office. There must also be liaison between his office and the incumbent President and at all times – only Presidents know what that office is all about – rest of us can only speculate! They know a lot!
We need to relook at our Benefits of Former President Act – and provide a comprehensive structure for the retired leaders. These people also get bored when out of office (I saw with RB) and require constant assignments. We need to get them into envoy roles and peacemaking roles. Keep them busy!
Let us amend the law!
