HRW calls on Zambia to halt post-election crackdown

Human Rights Watch (HRW) has called on Zambia's authorities to halt the vicious clampdown on the political opposition that was introduced after President Hakainde Hichilema's victory in disputed elections in August.

Key points

• "Zambia's government should break this dangerous cycle of repression, " continued Ashwanee Budoo-Scholtz, deputy Africa director at HRW.
• Hichilema was sworn in for a second term as Zambia's president after his victory in August.
• Police raided Mundubile's home the day after the August 13 elections.
• The rights group demanded in a report published on Sunday that the authorities put a stop to the intensifying crackdown.
• Authorities suddenly closed the country's courts two weeks after the election, a move that Zambian police stated was an "intelligence-led and preventive measure", without providing details.

Notably, the rights group demanded in a report published on Sunday that the authorities put a stop to the intensifying crackdown.

As well as journalists and lawyers, arrested and some having disappeared in recent months, it accused Zambia's administration of silencing administration critics, with a number of members of the opposition.

"The post-election climate of intimidation, harassment, and repression has had a chilling effect on civic and political organizations, particularly on dissenting voices, " HRW remarked.

According to The group, zambian police and military "forcibly disappeared, arbitrarily detained, beat, and threatened opposition members and supporters as well as lawyers, journalists, and government critics in the days before and after general elections in August 2026".

"The authorities should immediately halt the ongoing post-election crackdown, allow access to lawyers and provide medical care for those in detention, release everyone arbitrarily detained, and ensure accountability for abuses by security forces."

Hichilema was sworn in for a second term as Zambia's president after his victory in August. Critics have insisted that the election was marred by vote rigging.

As he was inaugurated at the National Heroes Stadium in the Zambian capital, Lusaka, his main rival Brian Mundubile was in detention, accused of treason after claiming the opposition had won the election.

Police raided Mundubile's home the day after the August 13 elections. A former cabinet member, Mutotwe Kafwaya, was shot and killed during the operation.

HRW called on the Zambian authorities to institute an independent, impartial and thorough investigation into the matter.

Regarding a dozen other opposition figures who have questioned the election results have been arrested.

Meanwhile, authorities suddenly closed the country's courts two weeks after the election, a move that Zambian police stated was an "intelligence-led and preventive measure", without providing details.

According to HRW, the closure prevents the opposition from filing legal challenges against the vote.

In short, HRW calls on Zambia to halt post is the central thread here, and readers can expect follow-up reporting as the picture becomes clearer.