Zambian Opposition Leader Brian Mundubile Arrested Amid Alleged Insurrection Plot

Security forces in Zambia seized weapons and detained 11 people, including high‑profile opposition figures, on allegations that they were part of an insurrection plot just days after the presidential election.

The leading opposition candidate, Brian Mundubile, turned up at the raid in Lusaka according to the chief civil servant Patrick Kangwa. Mundubile denounced the accusations as “total fabrications” and claimed that security forces staged an assassination attempt on his life during a raid at his home on Friday.

The presidential vote results were already being tallied. Incumbent President Hakainde Hichilema is leading with 62% of the vote, while Mundubile, one of 13 challengers, has 36%.

Mundubile had earlier claimed victory and accused the election of fraud, but he returned to the BBC without providing concrete evidence.

Patrick Kangwa said the arrested individuals were linked to “military plans involving foreign nationals and illegal military training camps,” and held “high‑grade military weapons” and ammunition allegedly intended for an armed insurrection. He also reported that shots were fired at law‑enforcement officers, leading to an exchange of fire.

Mundubile told the BBC that there was no militia at his home, describing the raid as a “misleading aggressive attack.” He accused senior government officials of spreading “falsehoods” to the nation.

Among those arrested were Patrick Mwansa, the husband of Tasila Lungu, the daughter of former President Edgar Lungu, along with other politicians. The suspects are held in custody at various police stations in Lusaka.

Observers from the European Union and SADC expressed concerns over the suspension and resumption of vote counting after a brief pause citing violence and ballot theft. The EU mission’s chief observer, Michael McNamara, said elections were “genuinely competitive” but conditions were “uneven,” with state media favouring the ruling party.

Despite the political turmoil, the mood in Zambia remains cautiously stable as citizens await full election results. However, security officers have increased their presence in parts of the capital, and the opposition continues to raise allegations of irregularities and alleged interference from neighbouring Tanzania.

Actual police reports and government statements continue to describe the raid as a pre‑emptive action against a planned armed rebellion, while opposition leaders maintain that the move was politically motivated.