Top Zambian opposition figures arrested days after presidential vote

Security forces in Zambia seized weapons and arrested 11 people, including senior opposition figures, alleging they were behind an insurrection plot.

Local civil servant Patrick Kangwa said the raid took place in Lusaka’s capital, where leading opposition candidate Brian Mundubile was also located. Mundubile described the Friday night operation as an “attempt on my life” and claimed colleagues were shot before he was detained.

Mundubile has previously claimed victory in the election and alleged irregularities, while running behind incumbent Hakainde Hichilema who remains ahead in more than half the constituencies counted.

The authorities deny such claims, stating that election day was largely peaceful and orderly, though observers noted concerns about late electoral reforms, media freedom and poll‑site access.

Kangwa added that the arrested individuals were linked to military plans involving foreign nationals and illegal training camps, holding high‑grade weapons and ammunition intended for an armed insurrection, and that shots were fired at police during the raid.

Among those detained were Patrick Mwansa, husband of Tasila Lungu, daughter of former President Edgar Lungu, and several other politicians.

The suspects are currently in custody at various police stations across Lusaka.

Mundubile has accused the Tanzanian government of interfering in the election, a claim it has rejected as false and unfounded.

The Zambia Electoral Commission briefly suspended the counting of results on Friday, citing violence against poll staff and theft of marked ballots, before lifting the suspension the same day after the threat was contained.