Zambian security forces have arrested 11 people and recovered weapons in a raid linked to an alleged plot to stage an armed insurrection, government officials have said.
Among those reportedly found at the scene in Lusaka was Brian Mundubile, the leading opposition candidate in last Thursday’s presidential election. Government chief secretary Patrick Kangwa said those detained were allegedly connected to plans involving foreign nationals, illegal military training camps and preparations for an armed uprising.
Mundubile, however, described the raid on Friday night as an “attempt on my life” and said several colleagues were shot in his presence. He has not provided detailed evidence to support the claim or identified those he said were injured.
With results from more than half of Zambia’s constituencies announced, Mundubile is trailing incumbent President Hakainde Hichilema. The opposition candidate had earlier declared victory and raised allegations of irregularities in the voting process.
Authorities have rejected claims of widespread electoral fraud, while preliminary reports from election observers described polling day as generally peaceful and orderly. Observers nevertheless expressed concerns over late electoral reforms, media freedom and unequal access to media coverage during the campaign.
Kangwa said the suspects were allegedly in possession of high-grade military weapons, ammunition and other materials that could have been used in an armed uprising. He also claimed that shots were fired at law enforcement officers during the operation, resulting in an exchange of gunfire.
Those arrested reportedly include Patrick Mwansa, the husband of former President Edgar Lungu’s daughter, Tasila Lungu, as well as several other political figures. The suspects are being held at different police stations across Lusaka.
The capital has remained largely calm as citizens wait for the final election results, although the government’s announcement of the raid has added to uncertainty. Police and security forces have also increased their presence in parts of Lusaka.
Mundubile has made several allegations concerning the election, including claims that military personnel were involved at vote-tallying centres and that some ballot boxes were mishandled.
He later alleged that he was questioned by army officers over two videos he had published and claimed he was assaulted while in custody. Authorities denied the allegations.
The opposition candidate also accused Tanzania of sending people to interfere in Zambia’s election. The Tanzanian government strongly rejected the allegation, describing it as false and without basis.
The Electoral Commission of Zambia temporarily halted the counting and announcement of results on Friday after reporting violence against election officials and the theft of marked ballot papers. The suspension was lifted later that day after authorities said the security situation had been brought under control.
The decision to suspend the tallying process has drawn criticism from international observer missions. Both the European Union and the Southern African Development Community expressed concern about the interruption.
SADC said the suspension had contributed to “uncertainty and anxiety”, while the EU mission said any interruption to the electoral process should be properly explained, legally justified and proportionate.
Michael McNamara, the EU’s chief election observer, said the election had taken place amid a “constrained democratic space”. Although he described the contest as genuinely competitive, he said candidates had not competed under equal conditions.
McNamara pointed to what he described as blurred boundaries between the state and the ruling party, including state media coverage that was heavily tilted in favour of the governing side.
As Zambia awaits the final results, the EU observer mission has urged authorities and political actors to ensure that the remaining stages of the electoral process are handled peacefully, transparently and in accordance with the country’s laws and established procedures.