Zambia Rejects EU Parliament Resolution as ‘Premature’, Calls for Formal Dialogue
The Zambian Government has criticised a European Parliament resolution on the country’s post-election situation, describing its adoption as premature and saying it was made without prior engagement with Lusaka.
In a statement dated September 19, 2026, and signed by Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation Minister Mulambo Haimbe in New York, Government said it had taken note of European Parliament Resolution P10_TA(2026)0311, adopted on September 17. European Parliament records confirm that the resolution on post-electoral developments in Zambia was debated on September 16 and adopted on September 17 under its topical-resolution procedure.
Government said it was concerned that the resolution was adopted under an urgency procedure without prior engagement with the Zambian Government and before the publication of the final report of the European Union Election Observation Mission.
It argued that serious determinations concerning a sovereign state should be based on verified facts and informed by engagement with the government concerned.
Citing the Samoa Agreement between the European Union and the Organisation of African, Caribbean and Pacific States, Government said it has asked the EU Delegation in Lusaka to convene a formal partnership dialogue with the European Commission and the European External Action Service at the earliest opportunity.
Government said it remains committed to constitutionalism, the rule of law, fundamental freedoms and Zambia’s longstanding strategic partnership with the European Union and its member states.
Mutotwe Kafwaya’s Death
On the death of Mutotwe Kafwaya on August 14, Government said it regrets the loss of life and that the circumstances surrounding his death remain under investigation by the Zambia Police Service, with independent oversight by the Zambia Human Rights Commission.
Government said Kafwaya’s family has been offered the opportunity to participate in the post-mortem examination through a legal representative and an independent pathologist.
It also rejected any suggestion that there is a government policy of extrajudicial action.
Treason Cases and Access to Justice
On concerns regarding access to justice and treason charges, Government said the judiciary is independent under Article 122 of the Constitution.
It said the Constitution and laws guarantee due process, a fair and impartial trial, access to legal representation and protection under the law.
Government further said persons charged with criminal offences are entitled to appear before competent courts within constitutionally prescribed time limits, receive family visits and access appropriate medical care.
Issues relating to bail, trial dates and judicial proceedings, it said, are determined independently by the courts and are not subject to executive direction.
Government Rejects Allegations of Arbitrary Detentions
Government also rejected allegations of arbitrary detention, saying arrests and detentions were conducted in accordance with Zambian law.
It added that official records do not corroborate the figures cited in the European Parliament resolution.
On the use of force by law enforcement agencies, Government said Zambian law recognises circumstances in which officers may use force while performing lawful duties, subject to safeguards and the principles of necessity and proportionality.
It said it would be premature to characterise specific incidents as murder before investigations have been concluded.
Zambia Calls for Engagement
Government maintained that the European Parliament resolution did not sufficiently take into account all material facts, particularly given the ongoing investigations and judicial proceedings.
Zambia has therefore called on the European Parliament, European Commission, EEAS and cooperating partners to allow constitutionally mandated institutions to carry out their responsibilities independently and without undue influence.
While acknowledging the role of the European Parliament, Government said it was concerned that the process leading to the resolution did not sufficiently reflect the consultation, mutual respect and partnership expected between sovereign states.
Zambia said it remains committed to its strategic partnership with the EU, including cooperation in trade, investment, development and critical raw materials, and will engage relevant European Parliament committees and EU institutions to provide further clarification.
Government said it would continue pursuing transparent investigations, the rule of law and democratic institutions while inviting the EU to engage through established diplomatic channels and on the basis of verified facts.
