Zambia’s Political Shake‑Up: Opposition Leader Faces Treason Charge

Sun Sep 06 2026 02:24:10 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)

Zambian opposition kingpin Brian Mundubile is charged with treason amid post‑election turmoil, sparking concerns over democratic rule and human rights.

After President Hakainde Hichilema’s re‑election, opposition leader Brian Mundubile was arrested and charged with treason, igniting fears of a crackdown on dissent. A deadly police raid forced him and his running mate to seek refuge at the UN in Lusaka, where authorities prompted the UN to hand them over. Seventeen others, including Makebi Zulu, face the same charges over alleged plots to overthrow the government – a claim the NRPUP says is politically motivated. Human‑rights groups warn the crackdown could silence genuine opposition as Zambia moves to a second inauguration on September 1.

Political chaos in Zambia

In the wake of former President Hakainde Hichilema’s re‑election, opposition leader Brian Mundubile has been charged with treason, sparking fears of a crackdown on dissent.

Mundubile was arrested Thursday after a deadly police raid on his safe house, forcing him and his running mate to seek refuge at the UN headquarters in Lusaka.

Lawyers say 17 others, including Makebi Zulu, are facing the same charge over alleged plots to overthrow the government – allegations the NRPUP condemns as politically motivated.

The 13 August election produced a 60% win for Hichilema and 38% for Mundubile, but the courts were shut down before opposition voices could challenge the results.

Human‑rights groups warn that the crackdown could silence genuine opposition and call for accountability as Zambia heads to a second inauguration on Sept. 1.

Read the full story on BBC Africa