UN rights chief is concerned about arrest of opposition figures in Zambia’s election

The United Nations' human rights chief expressed concern on Wednesday over the arrests of opposition figures in Zambia following last week's contentious election. According to Zambian authorities, a police vehicle was seen parked on a sidewalk near Lusaka, the capital, on election night last Thursday, with an exchange of gunfire following a raid at a property where the main opposition leader was present.

The government claimed to have discovered "high-grade military weapons" at the scene and arrested 11 opposition officials, alleging they posed a threat to national security. However, opposition leader Brian Mundubile denied the allegations, stating that the detained individuals were unarmed and that the opposition members were shot at.

Mundubile is currently under protection, but details regarding his current whereabouts remain unknown. President Hakainde Hichilema was declared the winner of the election for a second five-year term, while Mundubile secured approximately 38% of the vote. Mundubile has rejected the election results, claiming irregularities and threatening to challenge them in court.

The U.N. rights chief, Volker Turk, urged Zambian authorities to cease arbitrary arrests and bring any detained individuals to court promptly to answer any charges, emphasizing that all arrests must comply with international human rights standards and Zambian domestic law. The government has not disclosed the location where the arrested officials are being held or the charges they will face.

Mundubile also alleged that another opposition figure, a former minister, was shot during the raid and is currently missing. The election period in Zambia has been unusually tense, a nation that has held largely peaceful votes since returning to multiparty democracy in 1991.