Zambian opposition leader charged with treason

Zambian opposition leader Brian Mundubile has been charged with treason, his lawyer has announced. The arrest occurred following a deadly raid by authorities, which forced Mundubile into hiding. The dispute stemmed from the recent presidential election, where incumbent President Hakainde Hichilema won a second term. Mundubile contested the results, claiming victory for his NRPUP party.

However, authorities accused the party of planning an armed insurgency, a claim the party denied. According to Mundubile's lawyer, Milner Katolo, 17 individuals, including Mundubile's running mate Makebi Zulu, have also been charged with treason. Katolo assured that Mundubile intends to defend himself in court. The opposition leader had secured 38% of the vote, while Hichilema received 60% in the election on 13 August.

Following the poll, authorities raided a property in Lusaka, the capital, killing a former cabinet minister and arresting several politicians, claiming they seized weapons during the operation. Mundubile and Zulu sought refuge at a United Nations building, but were detained after Hichilema pressured the UN to surrender them. The opposition party failed to challenge the election outcome legally due to the closure of courts on the final day for filing cases.

Hichilema is set to be sworn in for his second term on 1 September. While election day was reportedly peaceful according to regional and international observers, Zambia's Human Rights Commission called for accountability regarding the whereabouts of individuals arrested during the elections.