Edgar Lungu did not want me to act as President when Sata died- Guy Scott

LUSAKA – Dr. Guy Scott, Zambia's former Vice President, has publicly disclosed that then Minister of Justice and Defence, Edgar Lungu, actively resisted his constitutional ascension to the acting presidency after the passing of President Michael Sata in October 2014. Dr. Scott, who historically became the first white head of state in mainland Africa since the end of apartheid, stated that the Zambian Constitution was unequivocally clear on the matter: the Vice President automatically assumes the role of acting president upon the death of the incumbent. The period following President Sata's death was marked by significant political uncertainty and intense internal wrangling within the ruling Patriotic Front (PF). While the constitution mandated Dr. Scott, as Vice President, to take over for an interim period of no more than 90 days until a new election could be held, his brief tenure was fraught with challenges. This revelation by Dr. Scott underscores the deep divisions and power struggles that characterised the PF leadership at that critical juncture, as various factions vied for influence and the ultimate succession. Sources from the time indicate that Edgar Lungu had been appointed by President Sata to act as president on several occasions when Sata was out of the country for medical treatment, often overlooking Dr. Scott. This created a perception among some that Lungu was the anointed successor. However, the constitutional provision for a deceased president's succession explicitly designated the Vice President to perform the functions of the office. The resistance Dr. Scott faced, particularly from the camp aligned with Lungu, highlights a disregard for constitutional order in favour of political maneuvering. The internal party conflict escalated, with Dr. Scott, as acting president, even dismissing Lungu as Secretary-General of the PF on November 3, 2014, only to reinstate him a day later following street protests in Lusaka. This incident, among others, ill