LUSAKA, Zambia (AP) – Zambia’s acting president on Tuesday rescinded his decision to dismiss the ruling party’s chief in a bid to defuse a political conflict that triggered overnight riots.
The reversal was announced by acting President Guy Scott and Edgar Lungu, who was restored as secretary general of the ruling Patriotic Front party. Police and demonstrators clashed late Monday in protests against Scott, a white Zambian who fired Lungu following the death last week of President Michael Sata. The 77-year-old president died in a London hospital on Oct. 28 after a long illness.
Scott’s move to defuse public anger came after a heated meeting in which senior party members urged Scott to reinstate Lungu, who is also minister of defense and justice and is considered a possible presidential candidate. Under the constitution, Zambia must hold a presidential election within 90 days of a president’s death.
“The position of secretary general will remain with Honorable Edgar Lungu,” the statement said.
Former Vice President Scott has said he is not interested in running for president and is in any case barred from the office because his parents were not Zambian by birth or descent.