Zambia Opposition Leader Questioned for Treason Amid Election Dispute

Zambia's main opposition leader, Brian Mundubile, who finished second in the disputed presidential election earlier this month, is being questioned by police over treason allegations. Mundubile and his running mate Makebi Zulu are being detained after being interrogated 'in connection with an alleged act of treason,' according to a statement from Zambia Police on Thursday.

State media reported that Mundubile surrendered to police in Lusaka on August 27 after spending two weeks sheltering at an international human rights organization, where he sought safety following a police raid on his home a day after the August 13 election. The two were questioned by a team of police officers along with their lawyers. Police have not provided further details on the charges underlying the treason investigation but said 'warning and caution' statements were recorded, a step that often precedes formal charges.

Treason is a serious offense in Zambia and can carry severe penalties if convicted. This development follows an escalation two weeks ago, when former cabinet minister Mutotwe Kafwaya was shot dead during a police crackdown in which 11 people were arrested at Mundubile's home. Police claimed the group was involved in insurrection or militia activity, a charge Mundubile has denied.

President Hakainde Hichilema won with 60% of the vote and is scheduled to be sworn in for a second term on Tuesday. The election results have been disputed by opposition leaders.

Uncertainty Over Opposition's Election Challenge

Mundubile, who secured about 38% of the vote, had promised to challenge the results in court, but Zambia shut down the entire judiciary on Monday—the final day for filing objections—citing 'security' concerns. Under Article 103 of Zambia's Constitution, election petitions must be filed within seven days of the winner's announcement. Filing a petition would automatically delay the president's inauguration under Article 104.

The court closure before the seven-day deadline prevented the opposition from filing, blocking the automatic postponement of the swearing-in. The Constitutional Court said on Tuesday it had received no petitions on the election results, clearing the way for Hichilema's inauguration. However, Chief Justice Mumba Malila said he had received a petition from a citizen via personal email. He called it 'unusual' but said it had been forwarded to the Constitutional Court for consideration.

Legal and human rights groups have criticized the timing of the sudden court closure. Human Rights Watch (HRW) called it 'a blow to the rule of law, transparency, and due process in Zambia.'

Concerns Over Shrinking Democratic Space

Hichilema entered the race as the frontrunner after leading Zambia—Africa's second-largest copper producer—through major economic reforms and debt restructuring. Opposition parties and civil society organizations have voiced concerns about increasing repression under Hichilema's administration.

Human rights groups and election observer missions say the post-election dispute has tarnished Zambia's democratic credentials. Since returning to multiparty rule in 1991, every presidential transition in the country has taken place through elections.