Government Rejects EU Parliament Resolution on Zambia’s Post-Election Situation

Government has rejected as premature and insufficiently informed, the European Parliament Resolution on Zambia’s post-election situation, adopted on September 17, 2026 under an urgency procedure. In a statement issued by Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation Minister…

Government has rejected as premature and insufficiently informed, the European Parliament Resolution on Zambia’s post-election situation, adopted on September 17, 2026 under an urgency procedure.

In a statement issued by Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation Minister Mulambo Haimbe in New York, Government says the resolution was adopted without prior engagement with the Zambian Government and before the publication of the European Union Election Observation Mission’s final report.

Government says serious determinations concerning a sovereign state should be based on verified facts and engagement with the concerned government.

It has consequently requested the EU Delegation in Lusaka to convene a formal partnership dialogue with the European Commission and the European External Action Service.

On the death of former Cabinet Minister Mutotwe Kafwaya on August 14, Government says investigations by the Zambia Police Service are ongoing, with independent oversight by the Human Rights Commission.

Government says the bereaved family has also been offered participation in the postmortem through a legal representative and an independent pathologist.

On treason charges and access to justice, Government maintains that the Judiciary is independent and that all accused persons are entitled to due process, fair and impartial trials, legal representation, family visits and medical care.

It says decisions on bail and other court proceedings rest with the courts.

Government has also rejected allegations of arbitrary detention, saying official records do not support the figures cited by the European Parliament.

It maintains that arrests and detentions were conducted within Zambia’s constitutional and legal safeguards.

On the use of force by law enforcement, Government says force is permitted in certain circumstances, subject to necessity, proportionality and legal safeguards.

It argues that it would be premature to characterise specific incidents as murder before investigations are concluded.

Government further says the resolution does not sufficiently take into account ongoing investigations and judicial proceedings.

It has called on the European Parliament, European Commission, European External Action Service and cooperating partners to allow Zambia’s institutions to work independently and without undue influence.

Despite the disagreement, Government says Zambia remains committed to its strategic partnership with the European Union in areas including trade, investment, development and critical raw materials.

Government says it will continue engaging EU institutions to provide factual clarification and ensure Zambia’s position is accurately reflected.