Zambia’s detained opposition leader Brian Mundubile has been formally charged with treason, his lawyer has confirmed, raising fresh concerns over the treatment of political dissent in the country.
Mundubile, who finished second to President Hakainde Hichilema in the August 13 election, was arrested on Thursday after spending more than two weeks in hiding.
Police accuse the opposition leader of posing a national security threat after security forces searched his home a day after the election and claimed to have discovered rifles and other military equipment.
His lawyer, Kambwa Aongola, confirmed that Mundubile and his running mate, Makebi Zulu, were formally charged on Saturday.
“I can confirm that Brian Mundubile and Makebi Zulu have been formally charged… with the offence of treason.”
The two men remain in custody at Lusaka Central Police Station, with the date for their court appearance yet to be announced.
Zulu, who served as Mundubile’s running mate, is a former lawmaker and spokesperson for the family of late former President Edgar Lungu.
Both men have denied the allegations, rejecting claims that they were involved in or planning an armed insurgency and describing the accusations as fabricated.
The treason charges come as Hichilema prepares to be sworn in for a second term on Tuesday.
Rights groups have expressed concern over the recent arrests of opposition figures, warning that the developments could further restrict political space in Zambia.
Hichilema’s first term was also accompanied by concerns over political freedoms, with opposition parties and civil society organisations accusing his administration of limiting dissent. The government has rejected those allegations.
