LUSAKA, Zambia – Zambian opposition leader Brian Mundubile has been charged with treason alongside 17 other people, including his running mate Makebi Zulu, following heightened political tensions after the country’s presidential election.
Mundubile was arrested on Thursday after going into hiding following a deadly security raid linked to his political activities.
His lawyer, Milner Katolo, confirmed on Saturday night that the opposition leader had been formally charged with treason.
Katolo said Mundubile was prepared to defend himself against the allegations in court.
“He looks forward to answering the accusation in court,” Katolo told the Zambian Eye.
The lawyer said 17 other people had also been charged, including Zulu, who served as Mundubile’s running mate in the presidential election.
Disputed presidential election
The charges come after Mundubile disputed the outcome of Zambia’s August 13 presidential election.
Official results showed incumbent President Hakainde Hichilema winning a second term with 60 per cent of the vote, while Mundubile received 38 per cent.
The opposition leader and his supporters have challenged the election outcome, amid growing tensions between the government and opposition.
Authorities subsequently accused Mundubile’s National Republican Party for Unity and Progress (NRPUP) of planning an armed insurgency.
The party has denied the allegations.
Deadly security raid
Tensions escalated after security forces raided a property in Lusaka linked to Mundubile the day after the election.
The operation resulted in the death of a former cabinet minister and the arrest of several politicians, according to reports.
Mundubile and Zulu subsequently sought refuge at a United Nations facility in Lusaka.
They were later detained after President Hichilema reportedly pressured the UN to hand them over to Zambian authorities.
Their detention has intensified concerns about the treatment of opposition figures following the election.
Opposition blocked from challenging election
The opposition was also unable to mount a legal challenge to the election results within the required period.
The courts were reportedly sealed off by authorities on Monday, which was the final day available for filing a petition challenging the presidential election.
The development has raised concerns among opposition supporters and rights groups over access to justice and the conduct of state institutions following the vote.
Hichilema set for second-term inauguration
Hichilema is scheduled to be sworn in for a second term on September 1.
Regional and international observers described election day as largely peaceful, although concerns have emerged over events surrounding the vote and the subsequent security operations.
Zambia’s Human Rights Commission has called for accountability over people whose whereabouts remain unknown following arrests and security operations linked to the election.
