Zambian opposition leader in police custody: state media

Zambian opposition leader Brian Mundubile is currently in police custody and being questioned, according to state broadcaster ZNBC. This development occurred two weeks after a disputed but mostly peaceful presidential election, in which incumbent Hakainde Hichilema was declared the winner by authorities. Mundubile had been on the run following police raids and arrests following the election, claiming he intended to contest the results in court. The government accused him of national security offenses and planning an insurgency.

Zambian police summoned Mundubile for questioning last week, and he was subsequently handed over to the police along with his running mate, Makebi Zulu. Both are currently undergoing interviews with a team of law enforcement officers in the presence of their lawyers, according to police spokesman Godfrey Chilabi. ZNBC reported that Mundubile and Zulu had been under the protection of the United Nations in the capital, Lusaka, prior to surrendering to the police.

Police have stated that Mundubile was seeking refuge with an international organization earlier in the week.

Zambia held its election on August 13, expecting a clear mandate for incumbent President Hakainde Hichilema's second term. However, opposition leader Mundubile briefly declared victory on election night, but Hichilema urged people to wait for the vote count and final results. The counting process was temporarily halted due to claims of attacks targeting election officials. The electoral commission ultimately declared Hichilema the winner with around 60% of the vote, while Mundubile performed better than anticipated.

Following the election, Hichilema made allegations of plots threatening national security, and on the day after the poll, police raided Mundubile's home and other opposition sites, arresting 11 people. During the operation, former cabinet minister Mutotwe Kafwaya was shot and killed in an exchange of gunfire. The National Reconciliation Party for Unity and Prosperity, led by Mundubile, continued to allege election irregularities and dismissed the charges against him as fabricated.

Zambia's judiciary closed entirely on Monday this week, citing security reasons, just before the legal deadline to challenge the election results. This move drew criticism from legal and human rights groups. Zambia is generally regarded as one of Africa's more stable democracies, but the recent election and its aftermath have not bolstered this reputation. President Hichilema is set to be sworn in for his second term on September 1.