Johannesburg (AFP) – The NGO Human Rights Watch (HRW) on Monday accused the Zambian authorities of political repression since the August elections, in particular due to the detention of the opposition leader, arrested more than two months ago.
Published on: 02/11/2026 - 12:24
President Hakainde Hichilema easily won a second term in the August 13 vote, marked by accusations of intimidation and the suspension of counting.
The day after the vote, security forces raided the home of opposition leader Brian Mundubile and arrested 11 people. A former minister was shot dead.
Mr. Mundubile was arrested on August 27 with his running mate and charged with treason and seditious practices.
The two men are suspected of having intended to "stimulate discontent or distrust" by claiming on social networks that the opposition had won the vote, according to a press release from the non-governmental organization for the defense of human rights.
“The Zambian police and army forcibly disappeared, arbitrarily detained, beat and threatened members of the opposition and their supporters, as well as lawyers, journalists and government critics in the days before and after the general elections,” denounces HRW calling for the opening of an independent investigation into the raid carried out on Mr. Mundubile’s home.
In a report based on interviews with detainees, their relatives and their lawyers, HRW specifies that some had blamed the Zambian army for arbitrary detentions and forced disappearances.
The statement also made allegations of assault and torture, including simulated drowning.
“The Zambian government must end its dangerous cycle of repression of human rights,” urged Ashwanee Budoo-Scholtz, HRW deputy Africa director.
The authorities must “allow lawyers access to detained individuals and provide them with medical care, release all those arbitrarily detained and ensure that security forces are held accountable for abuses committed,” the NGO underlines in its press release.
The government has not disclosed the number of people in detention, she said.
Those arrested included election observers linked to the opposition and musicians who had performed at an opposition rally.
Adding to accusations of growing repression in the copper-rich southern African country, authorities on September 11 canceled the passports of six government critics while they were abroad. On September 28, the Catholic archbishop of Lusaka, a staunch supporter of Mr. Mundubile, was arrested.
Mr Hichilema's first term had already raised concerns over political freedoms, with opposition parties and civil society organizations accusing his government of restricting dissent, allegations the government has rejected.
© 2026 AFP
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