Zambian opposition leader Brian Mundubile has been charged with treason, his lawyer has confirmed, as political tensions rise following the country’s recent presidential election.
Mundubile was arrested on Thursday after going into hiding following a deadly security raid linked to allegations of plans to challenge the government.
The opposition leader had rejected the outcome of the 13 August presidential election, which saw incumbent President Hakainde Hichilema win a second term.
Authorities subsequently accused Mundubile’s NRPUP party of plotting an armed insurgency, an allegation the party has denied.
Mundubile’s lawyer, Milner Katolo, announced on Saturday night that his client had been formally charged with treason.
Katolo told the Zambian Eye that Mundubile was prepared to defend himself against the allegations in court.
The lawyer also said that 17 other people, including Mundubile’s running mate, Makebi Zulu, had been charged with treason.
Official election results showed Mundubile receiving 38% of the vote, while Hichilema secured 60%.
A day after the election, security forces raided a property in the capital, Lusaka, reportedly linked to Mundubile. The operation resulted in the death of a former cabinet minister and the arrest of several opposition figures.
Following the raid, Mundubile and Zulu sought refuge in a United Nations building in Lusaka. They were later detained after President Hichilema reportedly pressured the UN to hand them over to the authorities.
The opposition was also unable to mount a legal challenge to the election results after courts were reportedly sealed by authorities on Monday, the deadline for filing an electoral petition.
Hichilema is scheduled to be sworn in for a second term on 1 September.
Although regional and international observers described polling day as largely peaceful, concerns have emerged over the conduct of security operations following the election.
Zambia’s Human Rights Commission has called for accountability over people whose whereabouts remain unknown following arrests and security operations connected to the election.
