Human Rights Watch Urges Zambia to End Post-Election Crackdown on Opposition

Human Rights Watch (HRW) has issued a strong call for Zambian authorities to cease the severe crackdown on the political opposition that commenced following President Hakainde Hichilema's victory in the August elections, which have been subject to dispute. In a report released on Sunday, the prominent rights group demanded an immediate halt to the escalating repression, accusing the Zambian government of suppressing critics. The report details the arrest and disappearance of several opposition members, journalists, and lawyers in recent months.

“The post-election climate of intimidation, harassment, and repression has had a chilling effect on civic and political organizations, particularly on dissenting voices,” stated HRW. The organization further alleged that Zambian police and military forces engaged in the forced disappearance, arbitrary detention, beatings, and threats against opposition members, supporters, lawyers, journalists, and government critics in the period leading up to and following the general elections in August 2026.

Ashwanee Budoo-Scholtz, deputy Africa director at HRW, urged, “Zambia’s government should break this dangerous cycle of repression.” She added, “The authorities should immediately halt the ongoing post-election crackdown, allow access to lawyers and provide medical care for those in detention, release everyone arbitrarily detained, and ensure accountability for abuses by security forces.”

President Hichilema was sworn in for his second term after his election win in August. However, critics have raised concerns about alleged vote rigging. During his inauguration at the National Heroes Stadium in Lusaka, his main rival, Brian Mundubile, was reportedly in detention, facing accusations of treason after claiming the opposition had won the election.

Following the August 13 elections, police conducted a raid on Mundubile’s residence. During this operation, a former cabinet member, Mutotwe Kafwaya, was fatally shot. HRW has called for an independent, impartial, and thorough investigation into this incident.

Approximately a dozen other opposition figures who have challenged the election results have also been arrested. Furthermore, the country's courts were abruptly closed by authorities two weeks after the election. The Zambian police described this closure as an “intelligence-led and preventive measure” without providing further details. HRW highlighted that this closure impedes the opposition's ability to file legal challenges against the election results.