LUSAKA, Zambia -- Police in Zambia detained the country's main opposition leader on Thursday, accusing him of treason following a disputed presidential election two weeks prior. Brian Mundubile, who challenged President Hakainde Hichilema in the Aug. 13 election, surrendered to police alongside his running mate, Makebi Zulu.
Both men recorded "warn and caution statements," a procedure that precedes formal charges, according to police, who confirmed they are being held in custody. Hichilema was declared the winner of the election, which has been described as unusually troubled in the copper-rich southern African nation. Hichilema is slated for inauguration for a second five-year term next week.
Mundubile has rejected the election results, citing irregularities and claiming he went into hiding for fear of his life.
The treason allegations against Mundubile and Zulu follow a raid by security forces at Mundubile's home the day after the election. Authorities stated that 11 people were arrested during the raid, and AK-47 assault rifles and other military equipment were found at the property. Those arrested are in custody facing treason charges, suspected of posing a threat to national security.
During the raid, an opposition official and former Cabinet minister was fatally shot. Authorities claim security officers were fired upon and returned fire, while Mundubile disputes this account, stating the opposition officials were unarmed and were shot at by security forces. He has denied government accusations that the opposition was planning an insurgency.
Following the raid, Mundubile reportedly sought shelter at a United Nations building in the capital, Lusaka. Amnesty International has called the killing of the former minister "deeply alarming," and a UN rights chief expressed concern over the arrests of Zambian opposition figures.
The United Nations has been assured by the Zambian government that Mundubile and Zulu will be treated with full respect for their rights and legal obligations under national and international law. A UN spokesperson stated the organization will monitor the situation closely.
Hichilema secured approximately 60% of the vote, according to the electoral commission. Mundubile has alleged irregularities, including the purported removal of vote tally papers from some polling stations by unauthorized personnel. Vote counting was suspended at one point due to violence at counting stations and alleged theft of ballot boxes, with the electoral commission not specifying who was responsible for the theft.