A United Nations report has identified what it describes as a ‘deterioration of the democratic environment and human rights’ in Zambia, calling on the government to preserve the country’s democratic foundations.
UN Special Rapporteur on the rights to freedom of peaceful assembly and association, Gina Romero, pointed to the worsening democratic and human rights climate in Zambia and issued an urgent appeal to the executive to preserve democratic integrity, safeguard civic space, and immediately cease the criminalisation of political dissent. The statement was published by the UN Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights.
The general elections held on 13 August in the southern African copper-rich nation — which neighbours Mozambique — were marred by allegations of intimidation, pro-government bias, and restrictions on the opposition, damaging the country’s democratic reputation.
Incumbent president and presidential candidate Hakainde Hichilema, 64, secured 60% of the vote, according to official results, followed by former minister Brian Mundubile of the opposition National Reconciliation Party for Unity and Prosperity (NRPUP) with 38%. Mundubile went into hiding after security forces raided his home on 14 August.
In the post-election period, a former minister was killed and 11 members of Mundubile’s group were detained.
‘In the post-election period, reports indicate alarming systemic violations… These violations include widespread intimidation and the alleged detention of hundreds of opposition supporters,’ the UN rapporteur stated.
Romero also raised concerns over what she described as fabricated treason charges — a crime punishable by death in Zambia — levelled against leaders of the opposition alliance, warning that such actions ‘set a dangerous precedent.’
Romero concluded by stressing that a healthy democracy requires that all voices — including opposition members, religious leaders, civil society representatives, and journalists — be able to speak freely and without fear, and called on the authorities to release all political detainees.
Source: Diário Económico
Original article: https://www.diarioeconomico.co.mz/2026/09/03/mundo/africa/zambia-onu-alerta-para-deterioracao-do-ambiente-democratico-e-dos-direitos-humanos/
