Zambia's election marred by irregularities and 'militia' arrests

Zambia is gripped by allegations of armed plots, intimidation and electoral interference. As President Hakainde Hichilema leads the count, concerns are growing over the state of the country's democracy. Zambia 's government announced on Sunday that police had arrested 11 people, including six opposition figures, in a raid against "militia activity." The arrests took place on Thursday night, according to a government statement. "The individuals in issue were found in possession of high-grade military weapons, ammunition and other materials for use in armed insurrection," it said. Zambia's main opposition party, the National Reconciliation Party for Unity and Progress (NRPUP), said shots were fired in the raid, which took place at the home of its presidential candidate Brian Mundubile, as Agence France-Presse (AFP) reported. He also claimed on social media that he was interrogated by army officers over videos he had released, and that he suffered mistreatment while in custody — accusations denied by the authorities.

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Scoop News DeskZambia · Published Tuesday, August 18, 2026 at 9:11 AM UTCUpdated Wednesday, August 19, 2026 at 6:04 AM UTC

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Lungu died in South Africa last year, resulting in growing veneration among his followers and supporters. However, the government has responded that those claims were "unsubstantiated," with outgoing Minister of Foreign Affairs Mulambo Haimbe telling DW that "the individuals that have been apprehended have been charged, first of all, and will face trial." "So, it is not Mr Mundubile's place to make assertions on matters that will go through a court process," he stressed, adding the any actions taken by authorities made sure that the "security of the nation is not compromized" during the election process.

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