Zambia: 11 Arrested and Opposition Leaders Detained Amid Post‑Election Rifts

After last week’s presidential election, security forces in Zambia seized a cache of weapons and detained 11 people, including several senior opposition figures, in what the government says was part of an operation against an alleged armed insurrection plot.

The raid took place the night after the election, with the leading opposition candidate, Brian Mundubile, located in the midst of the police action. He later claimed the operation was an attempt on his life and that colleagues were shot during the confrontation.

Authorities say the suspects were linked to “military plans involving foreign nationals and illegal training camps” and that they possessed high‑grade weapons and ammunition for a potential armed uprising. Communication with law‑enforcement officers reportedly involved an exchange of fire.

Among those arrested were Patrick Mwansa, husband of Tasila Lungu, daughter of former president Edgar Lungu, as well as several other allied politicians. The suspects are now held at various police stations across Lusaka.

Mundubile has voiced numerous allegations about the electoral process, including claims of military presence at tallying centres and irregularities involving ballot boxes. He also accused Tanzania of sending individuals to interfere in the vote, charges the Tanzanian government has denied as unfounded.

The electoral commission temporarily halted the counting of votes after the raid, citing violence against polling staff and theft of marked ballot papers, but lifted the suspension later that day after security forces reported the threat contained.

Observers described election day as largely peaceful and orderly, though they noted concerns about late electoral reforms and limited media access during the campaign period.