Zambia: Arrests and detention of political opponents following election raises concern

Wednesday, August 19, 2026UN NewsIn the wake of President Hakainde Hichilema of Zambia’s re-election for a second five-year term, UN human rights chief has raised concerns over the reported arrests and detention of political opponents in the country.On 13 August, the incumbent president and his party won parliamentary and presidential elections by large margins.Mr. Hichilema – who was officially announced the winner on Tuesday morning – garnered around 60 per cent of the votes, with his main challenger Brian Mundubile on 38 per cent – ahead of 12 other contenders.Contested results Mr. Mundubile declared himself the winner before the final results were announced, claiming without providing evidence that the poll was rigged, according to news reports. He says there were discrepancies between the results found at polling stations and those announced officially, and that military involvement during the vote count had altered the final results. The opposition leader has called for an urgent independent investigation.Opposition targetedOver the weekend the Zambian Government said that police had raided a house resulting in an exchange of gunfire and the arrest of several opposition figur...