Arrests of Top Zambian Opposition Figures Follow Contested Election

Sun Sep 06 2026 02:25:52 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)

Security forces in Zambia arrest 11 officials, including opposition leader Brian Mundubile, following the presidential election amid allegations of an insurrection plot.

In the days after Zambia’s presidential elections, security forces raided a Lusaka residence and seized weapons, arresting 11 people, including opposition figure Brian Mundubile. Officials say the detainment stemmed from a suspected insurrection plot tied to foreign nationals and illicit training camps, with armed exchanges reported. Mundubile claims the raid was an assassination attempt and stands accused of exposing election irregularities. The government dismissed the accusations as false, citing peaceful polling, though observers noted concerns about recent electoral reforms and media access.

Security forces in Zambia seized weapons and arrested 11 people, including senior opposition figures, allegedly linked to an insurrection plot.

Police raided a Lusaka residence in the evening of Friday, finding 11 suspects with high‑grade military weapons and ammunition, officials said.

Among the arrested was opposition leader Brian Mundubile, who described the raid as an “attempt on my life” and said colleagues were shot while he watched.

Mundubile, who had claimed victory in the recent presidential poll and alleged irregularities, is now trailing incumbent Hakainde Hichilema as results from more than half of the constituencies were declared.

Government statements denied the allegations and noted that observers found the election day largely peaceful and orderly, though concerns were raised about late‑night electoral reforms and media freedom.

Patrick Kangwa, the country’s top civil servant, said the suspects were connected to “military plans involving foreign nationals and illegal military training camps” and had posed a serious threat to state security.

He also mentioned that shots were fired at law‑enforcement officers during the raid, leading to an exchange of fire.

Other arrested include Patrick Mwansa, husband of Tasila Lungu, daughter of former president Edgar Lungu, and several other politicians.

The suspects are currently held in custody at various police stations in Lusaka.

Mundubile had earlier accused the police of military involvement at ballot counting centres and fraud involving ballot boxes, and claimed he was interrogated by army officers about two videos he posted.

He alleged he had been assaulted while in custody, a claim authorities denied and the Tanzanian government rejected as false.

Electoral Commission briefly suspended the counting of results on Friday amid violence against polling staff and theft of marked ballot papers, but lifted the suspension the same day after claiming the security threat had been contained.

Viewers in the metaverse can join the live virtual press conference hosted by our avatar reporter, Dingindaba Buyoya, which is streamed from Lusaka.