UN Expert Gina Romero Calls for End to Zambia Post-Election Crackdown, Names Mundubile and Makebi Zulu
GENEVA — United Nations Special Rapporteur on the rights to freedom of peaceful assembly and association, Gina Romero, has called on the Zambian government to end what she describes as a worsening post-election crackdown and to safeguard civic and political freedoms.
In a statement issued from Geneva, Romero expressed concern over reports of the arrest of hundreds of opposition supporters following Zambia’s August 2026 elections, with some allegedly being held beyond legally prescribed periods without formal charges.
She specifically referred to opposition figures Brian Mundubile and Makebi Zulu, who are facing treason charges in connection with allegations of forming or supporting a militia.
Romero described the treason allegations as “concocted charges” and warned that their use against senior opposition alliance leaders could set a dangerous precedent.
She also raised concerns about reported voter intimidation, assaults, abductions and deaths during the post-election period, saying the death of a former cabinet minister and polling agent requires “immediate international scrutiny.” The reference appears to concern former minister Mutotwe Kafwaya, whose death has become a major point of contention following the election.
Romero Raises Concern Over Shrinking Civic Space
According to Romero, the developments form part of what she described as a broader pattern of shrinking civic space in Zambia.
She also pointed to the government’s decision to postpone RightsCon 2026, which had been scheduled to take place in Lusaka from May 5–8.
RightsCon organisers subsequently said the 2026 summit would not take place in Zambia after the government’s last-minute postponement.
Human Rights Watch also said the decision raised concerns about freedom of expression and assembly, while the Zambian government said the postponement was necessary to allow further disclosure and consultations concerning the summit’s programme.
Correction on Treason and the Death Penalty
One important point in Romero’s statement requires clarification.
The statement refers to treason as a capital offence in Zambia. However, this is no longer accurate under current Zambian law.
Zambia amended its Penal Code in December 2022, replacing the death penalty with life imprisonment. The current text of Section 43 of the Penal Code provides that a person convicted of treason is liable to life imprisonment.
Therefore, while the concerns surrounding the seriousness of treason charges and pre-trial detention remain relevant, describing treason as currently punishable by death is legally outdated.
Government Position
The Zambian government has previously rejected descriptions of the post-election situation as a crisis and has maintained that law-enforcement agencies are dealing with matters in accordance with the law.
Meanwhile, MUVI has reportedly sought comment from the authorities regarding Romero’s latest statement.
The allegations against those detained remain matters for the courts, and the treason charges should not be treated as convictions.
