In brief
In the wake of Zambia’s presidential election, authorities moved to seize weapons and arrest eleven individuals, including prominent opposition figures. The move follows allegations of an impending insurrection and is framed as a threat to state security. The raid, carried out on Friday night, targeted individuals linked to foreign military plans and illegal training camps. Amid claims of an assault on the opposition’s leading candidate, the government maintains that elections were largely peaceful, though observers noted concerns over late reforms and media access.
Security forces in Zambia seized a cache of weapons and hauled eleven people into custody, officials reveal Monday. Among those detained were senior members of the opposition, the government said, citing an alleged plot to stage an armed uprising.
Brian Mundubile, the opposition’s leading candidate in last Thursday’s presidential election, appeared at the scene of the raid in the capital. He described the operation as an attempt to kill him and said colleagues had been shot in his presence.
Mundubile has been publicly critical of the current administration, claiming victory after the polls and alleging irregularities in the tally. He has also detained on evidence of military influence at counting centres and accused Tanzania of sending agents to interfere.
The government denies the opposition’s accusations and maintains that the elections were largely peaceful. However, observers have noted concerns over last‑minute electoral reforms and limited media access leading up to the vote.
Patrick Kangwa, a senior civil servant, said the arrested individuals were involved in foreign‑linked military plans, illegal training camps and possessed high‑grade weapons once deemed dangerous. He claimed a shoot‑out occurred when deputies fired at law enforcement officers during the raid.
Among those detained was Patrick Mwansa, husband to Tasila Lungu, daughter of former president Edgar Lungu. The suspects are currently held across various police stations in Lusaka.
Following the raid, national election officials temporarily suspended vote counting, citing violence and theft of marked ballot papers. The suspension was lifted the same day after authorities declared the security threat contained.
The situation remains volatile as Zambia’s citizens wait for official results, while opposition groups question the legitimacy of the electoral process and demand accountability for the alleged crackdown on political voices.
