In brief
Just a day after the presidential vote, Zambian security forces conducted a raid on opposition premises, arresting 11 individuals and confiscating high‑grade weapons. Former opposition candidate Brian Mundubile was present at the scene and has claimed an attempt on his life following the raid. The authorities cite the suspects’ links to foreign military training camps and a perceived threat to state security. Meanwhile, allegations of election irregularities, military presence at tallying centres and foreign interference have been raised by opposition figures, prompting a brief suspension of vote counting. The episode highlights the fragile political climate in Zambia as the new president is set to take office.
Security forces in Zambia seized weapons and detained eleven people, including senior opposition figures, in what the government said was a crackdown on an alleged insurrection plot.
The raid was carried out on the night before the presidential tally, and former opposition candidate Brian Mundubile was present at the scene of the operation, according to top civil servant Patrick Kangwa.
Mundubile has described the raid as an attempt on his life and claimed that colleagues were shot as an exchange of fire erupted between law‑enforcement officers and the suspects.
He faces allegations of orchestrating a military plan that involved foreign nationals and illegal training camps, according to Kangwa’s statements.
Among those arrested were Patrick Mwansa, husband of Tasila Lungu, the daughter of former president Edgar Lungu, and other politicians.
Suspects are being held in custody at various police stations in Lusaka as the electoral commission keeps a tight grip on the vote count.
Mundubile’s earlier claims of victory and accusations of irregularities at ballot boxes have been denied by authorities, who point to a largely peaceful election day.
Observers raised concerns over late electoral reforms, media freedom, and access to the media during the run‑up to the poll, but the presidential candidates are trailing incumbent Hakainde Hichilema.
The election commission suspended the counting briefly on Friday, citing violence against polling staff and theft of marked ballot papers, but lifted the ban the same day once security was deemed contained.
