04/09/2026
Mundubile, Zulu not political prisoners - AG
GOVERNMENT has dismissed claims that opposition leader Brian Mundubile and his former running mate Makebi Zulu are political prisoners, saying the two are facing serious criminal charges arising from allegations involving national security and unlawful paramilitary activity.
The Office of the Attorney-General said the recent arrest and prosecution of the two opposition figures should not be characterised as political persecution.
Acting Attorney General, Marshal Muchende argued that the Constitution does not provide immunity from criminal liability on the basis of political status.
Muchende said the people recently apprehended by the Zambia Police Service have been charged with treason and terrorism-related offences arising from allegations of sponsoring, aiding and abetting unlawful paramilitary training, as well as other conduct contrary to Zambian law.
Muchende was responding to concerns raised by the United Nations Special Rapporteur on the Right to Freedom of Peaceful Assembly and of Association over developments in Zambia following the August 13, 2026 General Elections.
He said Zambia remained a sovereign constitutional democracy and a State Party to major international human rights instruments, including the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights.
"Zambia's democracy is founded on the rule of law, constitutionalism and the equality of all persons before the law. Our international commitments do not diminish our sovereignty; rather, they reinforce our constitutional responsibility to protect the rights of our people while safeguarding national security and the integrity of the Republic," he explained.
“The Constitution does not confer immunity from criminal liability on the basis of political status, nor does it permit discrimination or preferential treatment for persons alleged to have committed criminal offences. No one is above the law, and no one is beneath its protection.”
The Attorney General's statement follows the arrest of Mundubile and Zulu alongside 16 others for treason following general election.
The treason case has also been linked to a wider security operation involving allegations of militia or paramilitary activity.
On August 14, a day after the election, Security wings raided a residence linked to Mundubile in Lusaka's Kabulonga area.
11 were arrested during the operation, weapons reportedly seized and former Cabinet minister Mutotwe Kafwaya was shot dead.
Mundubile denied allegations linking his political alliance, Tonse Alliance to militia activities.
Government, maintained that the allegations before the courts concern national security and public safety and should therefore be determined through the judicial process rather than political characterisation.
Muchende said the accused persons were also facing allegations relating to possession of military-grade weapons.
“These matters are now before Courts of competent jurisdiction and will be determined in accordance with the law,” he said.
"It is important, therefore, that allegations concerning political persecution or detention on account of race, religion, nationality, membership of a particular social group or political opinion are assessed on the basis of verifiable facts and the applicable law, rather than assumption or characterisation."
Muchende noted that Government’s position over the matter was reinforced by the recent handover of Mundubile and Zulu, who had sought refuge at the United Nations House in Lusaka.
According Muchende, the handover facilitated by the Special Envoy of the United Nations Secretary-General, enabled the persons concerned to be subjected to due process before the relevant Zambian authorities.
He explained that the decision by the UN system not to accord Mundubile and Zulu refuge or protection was consistent with Government’s position that there wasn't any basis to conclude the duo faced persecution or a threat to their lives or liberty because of their political views or affiliation.
Muchende acknowledged that all persons in Zambia are entitled to fundamental rights and freedoms, including the rights to life, liberty, expression, association and conscience.
He said those rights were protected by the Constitution and could only be limited in accordance with the law and within the parameters permitted by the Constitution.
Kalemba September 4, 2026
