Note: Single-source report; awaiting corroboration.
Following President Hakainde Hichilema's re-election for a second five-year term in Zambia, the UN human rights chief has expressed concern about the arrests and detention of political opponents. Hichilema secured about 60 percent of the votes, while opposition leader Brian Mundubile received around 38 percent, among a field of 14 candidates.
Mundubile declared himself the winner before official results were announced, alleging election rigging and discrepancies between polling station results and the final count, which he claimed was influenced by military involvement. He has called for an independent investigation into the electoral process.
The Zambian government reported that police raided a residence, resulting in an exchange of gunfire and the arrest of several opposition figures accused of plotting a coup with the assistance of foreign militia. Mundubile rejected these allegations as fabricated, and his party stated he is in a secure location. President Hichilema indicated that criminal charges would be filed against those detained.
Family members of one detainee, an Anglican bishop, have expressed concern over not knowing his whereabouts for two days following his arrest. UN human rights chief Volker Türk urged authorities to halt arbitrary arrests and fully respect due process rights, including promptly informing detainees of the reasons for arrest, granting access to legal representation and family contact, ensuring humane treatment in custody, and timely court appearances.