The son of detained Zambian opposition leader Bishop Trevor Mwamba says he is concerned about his father’s safety after authorities detained him and other opposition figures following the country’s disputed presidential election. Eno Mwamba told the BBC that his father, a former Bishop of Botswana and leader of the United National Independence Party, has been charged with treason. The charges follow President Hakainde Hichilema’s victory in the August 13 election, which opposition parties have challenged. Mwamba was among 11 opposition figures detained after a security operation on August 14. Authorities accuse the group of planning an armed insurgency, allegations the detainees have denied.
The crackdown has also involved Brian Mundubile, leader of the National Reconciliation Party for Unity and Prosperity and Hichilema’s main challenger. Mundubile initially went into hiding after rejecting the election result but was later detained and charged with treason. Hichilema was sworn in for a second term on September 1 despite the controversy surrounding the election. Reports say observers raised concerns about alleged irregularities, arrests of opposition figures and the use of security forces during the electoral period. The government maintains that the treason cases concern national security, while the opposition says the arrests are politically motivated. The detainees have denied the allegations, and the cases remain before the courts. The developments have intensified debate over Zambia’s political environment following an election that was expected to reaffirm the country’s democratic institutions.
