Zambian Opposition Leader Mundubile Arrested After Election Dispute

Lusaka, August 27, 2026 - Zambian opposition leader Brian Mundubile was handed over to police after spending time in hiding following the August 13 presidential election, which he refused to accept.

Official results showed President Hakainde Hichilema winning about 60 percent of the vote to Mundubile's 38 percent. The day after the election, security forces raided activities linked to Mundubile after the death of a former minister and the arrest of other politicians.

Authorities accused the opposition of planning armed violence, which the party denied. Mundubile had been in hiding under protection of an international human rights organization, according to his National Republican Party.

He and running mate Makebi Zulu were charged with activities police said could threaten national security. The opposition was unable to file an election challenge because courts were closed on the final appeal deadline. Hichilema is due to be sworn in for a second term on September 1.