Human Rights Watch Accuses Zambian Police and Military of Post-Election Crackdown, Documents 71 Cases Human Rights Watch has accused Zambian security forces of carrying out a widespread crackdown against opposition members, lawyers, journalists and government critics following the August 2026 general elections, documenting dozens of cases involving alleged arbitrary arrests, enforced disappearances and physical abuse Human Rights Watch documents 71 cases of alleged arbitrary arrests and prolonged detention in Zambia following the August 2026 elections. Human Rights Watch Accuses Zambian Police and Military of Post-Election Crackdown, Documents 71 Cases Human Rights Watch has accused Zambian security forces of carrying out a widespread crackdown against opposition members, lawyers, journalists and government critics following the August 2026 general elections, documenting dozens of cases involving alleged arbitrary arrests, enforced disappearances and physical abuse

Human Rights Watch Accuses Zambian Police and Military of Post-Election Crackdown, Documents 71 Cases

Human Rights Watch has accused Zambian security forces of carrying out a widespread crackdown against opposition members, lawyers, journalists and government critics following the August 2026 general elections, documenting dozens of cases involving alleged arbitrary arrests, enforced disappearances and physical abuse in detention.

In a report released on November 2, 2026, the international human rights organisation said the post-election period had been characterised by intimidation, harassment and repression, creating what it described as a chilling effect on civic and political organisations, particularly those expressing dissent.

The report, titled Zambia: Widespread Repression in Post-Election Crackdown, documents 71 cases in which opposition members, supporters and government critics were allegedly arrested on potentially politically motivated charges or held for prolonged periods without charge.

Human Rights Watch said it based its findings on interviews with victims, relatives and lawyers, as well as court documents and other records reviewed during its investigation.

The organisation is calling on the Zambian authorities to end what it describes as an ongoing crackdown, provide detainees with access to lawyers and medical care, release those arbitrarily detained and ensure accountability for alleged abuses by security forces.

14 cases of alleged enforced disappearances documented

One of the most serious findings concerns 14 cases that Human Rights Watch said appeared to constitute enforced disappearances.

The organisation said that in these cases, authorities allegedly refused to disclose the circumstances or whereabouts of detained individuals, with some people reportedly held for days before their families or lawyers could establish where they were.

Some of the victims and their relatives told Human Rights Watch that military personnel were involved in the arrests and subsequent detention.

Among the cases highlighted was the August 14 operation at the Lusaka residence of Tonse Alliance opposition leader Brian Mundubile.

Human Rights Watch said security personnel picked up several opposition members and supporters during the operation, with some allegedly being held for days while their families and lawyers searched police stations around Lusaka.

The report names Bishop Trevor Mwamba, opposition campaigner Patrick Mwansa and security aides Jackson Mutyoka, Bernard Chewe, Brazil Soko, Francis Mulenga and Richard Banda among those allegedly taken during the operation.

According to lawyers and court documents cited by the organisation, some of the detainees were taken to what was described as a military command centre before being transferred to police stations.

In some instances, relatives and lawyers reportedly said police initially denied holding the individuals, only for them to be located days later at police stations where their presence had previously been denied.

Human Rights Watch said Patrick Mwansa’s family reported that he had a broken finger and a swollen face when they eventually located him at Lusaka Central Police Station.

The family of Bishop Mwamba also reportedly said they searched for him for four days before finding him at Matero Police Station.

61 detainees allegedly beaten or abused

The report also documents 61 cases in which detainees, their relatives or lawyers alleged that individuals were beaten or subjected to other forms of violence during arrest or detention.

Human Rights Watch said it reviewed court documents and interviewed family members in compiling these cases.

Among those cited are opposition members who were detained after the August 14 operation at Mundubile’s residence.

Lawyers representing 18 detainees facing treason charges reportedly told the organisation that their clients had been assaulted, denied medical attention and, in some cases, restricted from accessing their lawyers and families.

Court petitions cited in the report contain allegations of severe mistreatment, including claims by three detainees that security personnel subjected them to waterboarding, suspended them from a metal bar and beat them.

These allegations have not been established through a court judgment, but Human Rights Watch says they warrant investigation.

The report further highlights the case of eight opposition election monitors who said armed men wearing uniforms and masks entered a house in Lusaka’s Emmasdale area on August 15, dragged them out and beat them.

The eight reportedly told the organisation that they were taken away in a military truck and beaten repeatedly over three days while being questioned about alleged links to a militia associated with Mundubile.

They were released on August 18 without charge, according to the report.

Mundubile home raid and the death of Mutotwe Kafwaya

Human Rights Watch has also renewed calls for an independent investigation into the circumstances surrounding the August 14 raid at Mundubile’s residence and the death of former government minister Mutotwe Kafwaya.

Opposition members present during the operation alleged that security forces killed Kafwaya.

However, Inspector General of Police Graphel Musamba gave a different account, saying officers involved in a joint intelligence-led operation encountered gunfire and resistance from unknown individuals, prompting them to return fire.

The Inspector General said Kafwaya was killed during the incident.

Human Rights Watch noted that public statements surrounding the operation were contradictory.

On August 15, the Zambia Information and Communications Technology Authority sent a message to registered mobile phone users warning against what it described as false reports of shootings and abductions.

The Ministry of Information and Media also dismissed reports of the raid and shooting as disinformation intended to alarm and mislead the public.

The police initially issued a statement denying that a raid had taken place and that Mundubile was in police custody. Musamba subsequently acknowledged that a joint security-led intelligence operation had been conducted at the opposition leader’s residence.

Mundubile, who was later arrested and charged with treason, stated in a High Court petition, which Human Rights Watch said it had reviewed, that he witnessed a member of the military fatally shoot Kafwaya.

The human rights organisation argues that the conflicting accounts make an independent, impartial and thorough investigation necessary.

43 election monitors detained for 21 days

Another significant case concerns 43 opposition members who were acting as election monitors and were detained on August 14.

According to Human Rights Watch, their whereabouts were initially unknown for eight days, with their lawyer saying police denied holding them.

When the lawyer eventually gained access, he reportedly found that many had serious injuries, including swollen bodies and broken bones.

Their lawyers subsequently filed a habeas corpus application, and on September 10, a Lusaka court ordered their immediate release.

The organisation said the monitors spent 21 days in detention without being charged and that the court later ruled their arrest unjustified.

Human Rights Watch argues that their detention was particularly concerning because they could have served as potential witnesses in an opposition challenge to the presidential election results.

71 cases of arrests and prolonged detention

Beyond the cases of alleged enforced disappearances and physical abuse, Human Rights Watch documented 71 cases involving opposition members, supporters and government critics who were allegedly arrested on potentially politically motivated charges or held for prolonged periods without charge.

These included the 43 election monitors and 17 musicians and comedians who were detained after performing at an opposition rally in Mongu, Western Province.

The 17 were initially detained over what was reportedly described as a traffic-related offence involving a vehicle without number plates. They were later charged with riotous assembly or behaviour and released on bail on August 30 after more than three weeks in detention.

The report also highlights the arrest of Brian Mundubile and his running mate Makebi Zulu on August 27.

The two were subsequently charged with treason and seditious practices.

According to the charge sheet reviewed by Human Rights Watch, the allegations relate to a Facebook Live broadcast on August 14 in which the opposition leaders reportedly stated that the opposition had won the election.

The government alleges that the broadcast was intended to raise discontent or disaffection among the people of Zambia.

Human Rights Watch, however, argues that the use of treason and sedition charges in several of the cases documented could be aimed at suppressing political opposition and dissent.

The charges remain subject to the judicial process, and those accused are presumed innocent until proven guilty.

Lawyers and journalists reportedly forced into hiding

The report also raises concerns about the safety of lawyers and journalists who were involved in election-related reporting and legal challenges.

Human Rights Watch interviewed seven people, including lawyers and a journalist, who said they had fled their homes or gone into hiding because they believed they were being targeted for arrest.

A lawyer and a journalist reportedly showed the organisation messages on their phones warning that they were on a wanted list.

One lawyer said he went into hiding after security agents allegedly visited his home and office. He had been involved in preparing a court petition challenging the presidential election.

A journalist who operates an investigative news website also told Human Rights Watch that he left Zambia after receiving threats linked to his reporting on the raid at Mundubile’s residence.

He said he received messages warning him to stop his reporting, while a family member later informed him that people identifying themselves as officers from the Office of the President had visited his home looking for him.

The organisation also documented two cases in which relatives of government critics living abroad allegedly faced harassment and threats in Zambia.

In one case, relatives were reportedly questioned and pressured over political commentary published by a family member abroad.

Government critics’ passports cancelled

Human Rights Watch further recalled the government’s September 11 announcement that the passports of six government critics had been cancelled for security reasons.

Among those affected was academic Sishuwa Sishuwa.

The organisation argues that the action contributed to an atmosphere of intimidation affecting people who publicly criticise the government.

The report also refers to concerns raised by the Law Association of Zambia on September 22 over prolonged detention without court appearances.

Zambia’s Human Rights Commission had earlier said it was following 84 election-related detainees, describing concerns about prolonged detention, delayed notification of charges, restricted access to family and legal representation, and delays in bringing detainees before competent courts.

Government rejects criticism from UN rights expert

The report also revisits a September 2 communication by the United Nations Special Rapporteur on the rights to freedom of peaceful assembly and of association, who called for the release of political detainees, respect for fundamental freedoms and the restoration of democratic accountability.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation rejected the intervention, describing it as inaccurate, undiplomatic and falling short of the standards of objectivity, moderation and discretion expected of UN mandate holders.

The ministry maintained that membership of an opposition political party does not place anyone beyond the reach of the law or automatically turn a criminal suspect into a political detainee.

It also stated that the government was committed to ensuring legal protections were respected and that Zambia’s courts remained open to test such matters.

Zambia’s human rights obligations under international scrutiny

Human Rights Watch said the findings raise concerns about Zambia’s obligations under both domestic and international human rights law.

It noted that detainees are entitled to due process, including being promptly informed of charges, access to legal representation, judicial review of detention, the presumption of innocence, medical care and communication with family members.

The organisation also highlighted Zambia’s election to the United Nations Human Rights Council for the 2027–2029 term.

As a member of the council, Zambia is expected to uphold high standards in promoting and protecting human rights.

Ashwanee Budoo-Scholtz, Human Rights Watch’s deputy Africa director, urged regional leaders and Zambia’s development partners to encourage the government to restore the rule of law and protect civic and political space.

“Leaders in Southern Africa and Zambia’s development partners should encourage President Hichilema to restore the rule of law and ensure that civic and political spaces are protected,” she said.

Human Rights Watch is calling for an immediate end to the alleged crackdown, access to lawyers and medical treatment for detainees, the release of those arbitrarily detained and accountability for any abuses committed by security forces.

The report places renewed attention on the treatment of opposition members and government critics following the August elections, while raising wider questions about due process, the independence of institutions and the protection of fundamental freedoms in Zambia.

Zambian Eye

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