Zambia’s main opposition leader, Brian Mundubile, has been detained by police over allegations of treason following the country’s disputed presidential election.
Mundubile surrendered to police in Lusaka on August 27 alongside his running mate, Makebi Zulu, after spending about two weeks in hiding. Police said both men were questioned and gave “warn and caution” statements as part of an investigation into alleged treason.
The detention follows a tense election in which President Hakainde Hichilema was declared the winner with about 60% of the vote. Mundubile, who finished second, rejected the result and alleged irregularities.
The treason investigation is also linked to a security raid at Mundubile’s residence shortly after the election. Authorities said weapons and military equipment were found and that several people were arrested over alleged threats to national security.
Mundubile has denied allegations that he or his supporters were planning an insurgency. The circumstances surrounding the death of opposition figure Mutotwe Kafwaya during the raid also remain disputed.
The arrests have intensified concerns about political tensions and democratic space in Zambia as the country prepares for Hichilema’s second-term inauguration.
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