Human Rights Watch Reports Violent Post-Election Crackdown in Zambia

The Government of Zambia carried out a violent crackdown on opposition members, journalists, and lawyers following the August 13, 2026, general elections, in which President Hakainde Hichilema secured a second term. A report released by Human Rights Watch documents 61 instances of torture and physical abuse, as well as 14 cases of enforced disappearances, often involving military personnel.

Security forces targeted high-profile critics, including Tonse Alliance leader Brian Mundubile and his running mate Makebi Zulu, who face nonbailable treason and sedition charges. During an August 14 raid on Mundubile's home, former government minister Mutotwe Kafwaya was killed. While Inspector General Graphel Musamba described the raid as a joint intelligence-led operation that faced resistance, opposition members allege a military member shot Kafwaya.

Further restrictions included the arrest of 17 people in Mongu after an opposition rally and the sudden closure of the country's courts two weeks after the election. Police defended the court closures as a preventive measure, though critics argue the move was intended to block legal challenges to the election results.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation defended the state's actions against international criticism, asserting that opposition membership does not place individuals beyond the reach of the law. Human Rights Watch has called for an immediate end to the repression, noting that the climate of intimidation has had a chilling effect on dissenting voices.