Zambian security forces have detained 11 individuals, including senior opposition figures, in connection with alleged insurrection activities, according to government reports.
The leading opposition candidate in last Thursday’s presidential election, Brian Mundubile, was reportedly present during the raid in Lusaka, as stated by Chief Cabinet Secretary Patrick Kangwa.
Mundubile characterized the operation as “an attack on my life,” noting that “colleagues were shot” during the incident.
With results from over half the constituencies tallied, Mundubile remains trailing incumbent Hakainde Hichilema. He had initially claimed victory, citing concerns about electoral irregularities.
While authorities dispute these claims, election observers noted the day as largely peaceful, though they raised concerns about delayed reforms, media restrictions, and limited media access during the campaign.
Details provided by Kangwa indicate the arrested individuals were linked to “military strategies involving foreign nationals and unauthorized training facilities,” claiming they possessed “high-level military weaponry, ammunition, and materials intended for an armed uprising.”
The operation reportedly involved gunfire exchanges between security forces and suspects.
Among the detainees were Patrick Mwansa, spouse of Tasila Lungu (daughter of former president Edgar Lungu), and other political figures.
The suspects are currently held at multiple police stations in Lusaka.
Mundubile has made multiple allegations regarding electoral irregularities, including reports of military presence at counting centers and tampering with ballot boxes. He later claimed to have been interrogated by army officers over videos he released and alleged physical assault during detention, claims the government denied.
He also accused Tanzania of deploying individuals to interfere in the election, a claim the Tanzanian government categorically dismissed as unfounded.
Zambia’s electoral commission temporarily halted result announcements on Friday due to reported violence against polling staff and theft of marked ballots but resumed operations later that day after security threats were mitigated.