Zambia Opposition Leader Brian Mundubile Charged With Treason

LUSAKA — Zambia’s opposition leader Brian Mundubile has been charged with treason following his arrest amid growing political tensions after the country’s disputed presidential election.

Mundubile and his running mate, Makebi Zulu, were both charged with treason on Saturday and remained in custody at Lusaka Central Police Station, according to their lawyer, Kambwa Aongola.

The charges follow Mundubile’s arrest on Thursday after he was questioned by police over an alleged treason offence.

Police have not publicly provided details of the allegations against him.

in the cooler: Brian Mundubile.

Mundubile finished second to President Hakainde Hichilema in the 13 August presidential election, receiving about 38% of the vote, while Mr Hichilema was declared the winner with about 60%.

Mundubile rejected the result and said he intended to challenge the election in court.

However, Zambia’s Constitutional Court and other superior courts were closed on 24 August, the final day for filing an electoral challenge.

The judiciary said the closure was due to security concerns.

The political situation had already deteriorated following a security operation at property linked to Mundubile in Lusaka.

A former cabinet minister, Mutotwe Kafwaya, was killed during the operation, while several other people were arrested. The government said the security operation was linked to an alleged national security threat.

Mundubile subsequently went into hiding.

He and Mr Zulu later sought refuge at a United Nations facility in Lusaka before surrendering to police.

Facing treason charges: Makebi Zulu.

The two men were questioned in connection with allegations that their activities could threaten national security. Police said they recorded warn-and-caution statements from them, a step that can precede formal charges.

The treason charges now bring a new dimension to Zambia’s post-election political dispute.

The opposition had already raised concerns about the conduct of the election and sought legal avenues to challenge the result.

President Hichilema, however, has rejected allegations of electoral fraud.

The United Nations and human rights groups have also expressed concern over the treatment of opposition figures and other people arrested during the security operations.

Mr Hichilema is due to be sworn in for a second term on 1 September.

Mundubile’s treason case is expected to put further pressure on Zambia’s political institutions as the country prepares for the inauguration.

For now, the opposition leader remains in police custody, facing one of the most serious criminal charges under Zambian law.