Zambian opposition figure Brian Mundubile has been formally charged with treason, his lawyer confirmed, as political tensions in the country continue to escalate.
The charge follows Mundubile’s arrest on Thursday, days after a deadly security raid forced him into hiding. He had rejected the outcome of Zambia’s recent presidential election, which returned incumbent Hakainde Hichilema to power for a second term. Authorities subsequently accused Mundubile’s NRPUP party of plotting an armed uprising — an allegation the party has firmly denied.
Lawyer Milner Katolo announced on Saturday night that his client had been charged and said Mundubile intends to contest the accusation in court. According to Katolo, 17 others were also charged with treason, among them Mundubile’s running mate, Makebi Zulu.
Mundubile polled 38% in the 13 August election, well behind Hichilema’s 60%, according to official results.
The day after voters went to the polls, security forces stormed a Lusaka property connected to Mundubile. A former cabinet minister was killed in the operation, and several other politicians were arrested. Officials said weapons were recovered during the raid.
In its aftermath, Mundubile and Zulu sought refuge inside a United Nations building in the capital. They were later detained after President Hichilema pressed the UN to surrender them.
With the courts sealed off by authorities on the final day for filing a legal challenge, the opposition was left without any avenue to dispute the election result.
International and regional observers largely described voting day as peaceful. However, Zambia’s Human Rights Commission has demanded accountability over the fate of individuals still unaccounted for following arrests and security crackdowns tied to the election.
Hichilema is scheduled to be sworn in for his second term on 1 September.
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