oluwatosin oyeniyi LUSAKA, Zambia — Zambia’s main opposition leader Brian Mundubile has been detained over an alleged treason offence, deepening political tensions following the country’s disputed presidential election.
Mundubile and his running mate, Makebi Zulu, surrendered to police on Thursday, August 27, after spending about two weeks under the protection of the United Nations in Lusaka. Police said the two were questioned by investigators in the presence of their lawyers and had statements recorded in connection with an alleged treason offence.
The detention follows a tense period after the August 13 presidential election, which President Hakainde Hichilema won with about 60% of the vote. Mundubile finished second with approximately 38% and rejected the result, alleging irregularities. Hichilema’s government has denied the accusations.
Raid after election raises tensions
The political dispute escalated the day after voting when security forces raided a property in Lusaka linked to Mundubile.
During the operation, former cabinet minister Mutotwe Kafwaya was shot and killed, while 11 people were arrested. Authorities alleged that the property was linked to an armed insurgency or militia activity aimed at threatening national security.
Mundubile denied the allegations and said the opposition was not planning an armed uprising. He subsequently sought protection at a UN facility, saying threats against him had made it unsafe to remain at home. The United Nations later facilitated the handover of Mundubile and Zulu to Zambian authorities after receiving assurances that they would receive due process and be treated according to the law.
Election challenge blocked by court closure
The arrests come amid a separate controversy over Mundubile’s attempt to challenge the election result.
Under Zambia’s Constitution, presidential election petitions must be filed within seven days of the winner being declared. However, Zambia’s courts were closed on August 24, the final day for filing a challenge, with the judiciary citing security concerns. The closure meant the opposition’s planned legal challenge could not proceed normally.
The Constitutional Court subsequently said it had not received an election petition challenging Hichilema’s victory, clearing the way for his inauguration for a second term. Rights groups and legal observers have criticised the timing of the court closure. This has created a difficult situation for Zambia. An election dispute that would ordinarily be settled through the courts is instead unfolding through police investigations, arrests and political confrontation.
What the treason investigation means
Police have not publicly provided detailed evidence explaining the treason allegations against Mundubile and Zulu.
The two men have been issued “warn and caution” statements, a procedural step that can precede formal charges. Police said investigations are continuing. Treason is among the most serious offences under Zambian law and carries severe penalties upon conviction.
That makes the handling of the case particularly important. Authorities have a responsibility to investigate credible national security threats. At the same time, opposition leaders are entitled to due process, legal representation and a fair hearing.
The government will therefore face scrutiny over whether the investigation is based on evidence or whether criminal law is being used to suppress political opposition.
A test for Zambia’s democracy
Zambia has long been regarded as one of the countries in Africa where political power has changed hands through elections rather than military coups.
The developments following the August election have therefore raised concerns about the country’s democratic reputation.
Human rights organisations have criticised the arrests and the closure of the courts, while the government maintains that it is responding to legitimate national security concerns. The priority now should be to allow independent institutions to establish the facts.
If there is evidence of an attempt to overthrow the government, those responsible should face the courts. If there is insufficient evidence, the opposition leaders should not be kept in detention simply because they challenged an election result.
Zambia can reduce the political temperature by allowing the judiciary to operate independently, publishing clear evidence behind serious allegations and protecting the right of opposition parties to contest government decisions through lawful channels.
For a country preparing for a second-term presidential transition, the handling of Mundubile’s case will be closely watched.
The central test is whether Zambia can resolve a disputed election through the rule of law without turning political disagreement into a national security crisis.
