Zambia Detains Opposition Leaders on Election Night, Citing Security Threat

Zambian authorities have confirmed the arrest of several senior opposition figures on the night of last week's national elections, saying they were detained for posing a threat to state security.

The arrests came as votes were still being counted from Thursday's presidential and parliamentary polls. Partial results showed President Hakainde Hichilema leading in his bid for a second term, with the election widely seen as a referendum on his handling of the economy since the pandemic-era debt crisis.

Opposition leader Brian Mundubile, Hichilema's main rival, said heavily armed personnel raided his residence after the election, which he described as an attack on his life. In a statement released late Sunday, the government said Mundubile was present when 11 people were apprehended, and that shots were fired from the premises at law enforcement agents, leading to an exchange of fire.

The government alleged that those detained were found in possession of "high-grade military weapons, ammunition and other materials for use in armed insurrection," and that they had been under surveillance for months. Six individuals were named as being in custody, including a spokesperson for Mundubile. The others were described as "senior members of certain political parties in Zambia."

Opposition representatives have called for the safe return of some of Mundubile's inner circle who they say have been detained or have disappeared. Opposition parties and civil society groups have accused the government of increasing repression before the election, including restricting meetings and campaign activities—charges the government denies.