In brief
After Zambia’s May 2024 presidential election, security forces raided a building in Lusaka, seized weapons and detained eleven people, among them opposition leader Brian Mundubile. Officials say the arrests stem from a plot involving foreign nationals and illegal military training camps. Mundubile claims the raid was a threat to his life and cites shooting incidents. While the electoral commission praised peaceful voting, observers noted concerns about media freedom and late reforms. The arrests heighten political tensions as Zambia moves toward a new administration.
Security forces in Zambia took action late Friday night, seizing weapons and arresting eleven people, senior opposition figures included, according to government statements. The raiding site was a building in Lusaka where the leading opposition candidate Brian Mundubile reportedly was present.
Mundubile described the raid as an "attempt on my life" and said that colleagues had been shot in his presence. He had earlier denied that a majority of the key constituencies had finished counting and claimed irregularities in the vote.
The authorities reported that the detained individuals were connected to military plans that involved foreign nationals and illegal training camps. They are said to possess high‑grade weapons, ammunition and materials intended for use in an armed insurrection. Officials added that shots fired at law enforcement officers led to an exchange of fire during the raid.
Among the arrested persons were Patrick Mwansa, husband of Tasila Lungu – daughter of former President Edgar Lungu – and other politicians. The suspects are currently held in custody at various police stations in Lusaka.
Observers have stated that election day was largely peaceful and orderly, while raising concerns about late reforms, media freedom and access to the media in the run‑up to the poll. The electoral commission briefly suspended the counting and announcement of results on Friday citing violence against polling staff and theft of marked ballot papers, but lifted the suspension the same day after stating that the security threat had been contained.
