Zambia Election Crisis Deepens as Police Summon Opposition Leader Brian Mundubile

LUSAKA, Zambia — Political tensions are rising in Zambia following the country’s August 13 presidential election.

Opposition leader Brian Mundubile has been summoned by police for questioning over allegations linked to national security.

Mundubile, who intends to challenge the election result, has reportedly gone into hiding.

President Hakainde Hichilema was declared the winner with about 60% of the vote. But opposition figures have questioned the conduct of the election and say they intend to challenge the result in court.

The situation became more tense after security forces raided a property where Mundubile was present. Eleven people were arrested during the operation, while former minister Mutotwe Kafwaya was killed in an exchange of gunfire, according to authorities.

The government has accused opposition figures of activities that could threaten national security. Mundubile has rejected the accusations as fabricated.

The United Nations human rights chief has also expressed concern about the arrests of opposition figures following the election.

With the opposition facing a deadline to challenge the result, the latest developments have placed Zambia’s political stability and democratic reputation under renewed scrutiny.