The United Nations human rights chief expressed concern Wednesday over the arrest of opposition officials in Zambia in connection with the nation's recent election, urging authorities to ensure detentions are consistent with international standards.
Zambian law enforcement agents raided a property on election night last Thursday where the country's main opposition leader, Brian Mundubile, was present, leading to an exchange of gunfire, according to the government. Officials stated that "high-grade military weapons" were discovered at the location and that 11 opposition officials were arrested for posing a threat to state security.
Mundubile denied the government's allegations, stating that the arrested opposition officials were unarmed and were fired upon. He indicated that he is currently "under protection" due to safety concerns but did not provide further details on his location.
President Hakainde Hichilema was declared the winner of the election for a second five-year term on Tuesday. Official results show Mundubile secured approximately 38% of the vote. Mundubile has rejected these results, citing irregularities, and has announced that his opposition alliance intends to challenge the outcome in court.
U.N. rights chief Volker Turk called on Zambian authorities to cease arbitrary arrests and to promptly bring any detained individuals before a court to face charges. He emphasized that all arrests "must be fully consistent with international human rights standards, as well as Zambian domestic law."
The Zambian government has not disclosed the whereabouts of the arrested officials or the specific charges they will face. Mundubile also alleged that a former minister and another opposition figure was shot during the raid and is now missing.
The election period in the copper-rich southern African nation, which has held largely peaceful votes since returning to multiparty democracy in 1991, was marked by unusual tension. Vote counting was suspended for several hours on Friday, the day after the election, with the electoral commission citing violence against officials at some polling stations and the theft of ballot papers, without specifying who was responsible.