Zambia detains opposition leader and running mate on alleged treason

The detention risks clouding Lusaka’s credentials as a relatively stable southern African democracy.

Zambia’s main opposition leader and his running mate were held in connection with alleged treason offences, two weeks after a disputed election that saw President Hakainde Hichilema secure a second term.

The detention of Brian Mundubile and Makebi Zulu on Thursday risks clouding Lusaka’s credentials as a relatively stable southern African democracy and denting investor confidence in Africa’s second-largest copper producer.

Police said they recorded “warn and caution” statements from both men — a step before formal charges are filed — but gave no details of the alleged offence.

Mundubile, who rejected the election result as neither free nor fair, had been in hiding since security forces raided his Lusaka home during the election period.

Hichilema’s confirmed second term was met with relief by financial markets and prompted Citigroup to advise clients to pile on Zambia’s bonds as the president pledged to triple annual copper output in five years to 3 million tons and secure fresh IMF backing.

But UN rights chief Volker Türk has urged Zambian authorities to “ stop arresting people arbitrarily ” while the EU Electoral Observation Mission has noted a “constrained democratic space.”