UN calls for release of political detainees as UPND hits back

26 Views The United Nations has called on the Zambian government to release political detainees and restore democratic freedoms, prompting a sharp response from the ruling United Party for National Development which accused the UN of mislabeling suspected insurgents. In a statement issued on Wednesday, UN Special Rapporteur on the rights to freedom of peaceful […]

26 Views

The United Nations has called on the Zambian government to release political detainees and restore democratic freedoms, prompting a sharp response from the ruling United Party for National Development which accused the UN of mislabeling suspected insurgents.

In a statement issued on Wednesday, UN Special Rapporteur on the rights to freedom of peaceful assembly and of association, Gina Romero, said she was gravely concerned about Zambia’s democratic and human rights environment following the general election.

Romero cited reports of widespread intimidation, the arrest of hundreds of opposition supporters, and prolonged detentions without formal charges. She also raised alarm over treason charges filed against senior leaders of the opposition alliance, describing them as a “dangerous precedent.”

The Special Rapporteur further referenced reported voter intimidation, assaults, abductions, and politically linked violence that has resulted in deaths, including those of a former cabinet minister and a polling agent.

She said the incidents point to a broader pattern of shrinking civic space, including the alleged arbitrary arrest of opposition leaders, parliamentarians and civil society actors on disproportionate or legally ambiguous charges. Romero also cited the de facto cancellation of RightsCon in Lusaka and restrictions on peaceful assembly.

Romero urged authorities to safeguard civic space, uphold democratic integrity and “immediately cease the criminalisation of political dissent.”

Hours later, the UPND hit back in a strongly worded press statement issued by Media Director Mark Simuuwe.

The ruling party said the UN must “stop classifying suspected insurgents as political detainees” and should instead encourage the arrest of all insurgents.

“Since Zambia is a member state to the UN, and a signatory to the UN charter on sovereignty and the need to fight terrorism, the UN must respect Zambia’s sovereignty and also respect the credible legal institutions that Zambia has in presiding over all criminal matters relating to treason or insurrection,” Simuuwe stated.

He argued that Zambia’s courts have handled treason matters before, citing the Captain Solo case under FTJ Chiluba, the Shamwana case, and the Mushala matter. Simuuwe also expressed concern that some opposition political parties were allegedly sending members for military training abroad.

The UPND accused the UN of failing to address political terrorism in Africa, pointing to Sudan and Eastern Congo as examples where it said the UN had been a “spectator and media commentator.”

“Releasing such persons without trial is basically endorsing terrorism,” the statement read. “The UN should not be playing PR when armed civilians are illegally acquiring military guns in Zambia. Instead the UN should centre its effort in calling for trial as by law established.”

Simuuwe commended Zambia’s security forces, saying: “Bravo, Zambia’s men and women in uniform for controlling the situation.”

The exchange highlights growing tension between international human rights monitors and the Zambian government over how post-election arrests and security operations are being handled.

As of publication, the authorities had not released an official figure for those detained, and the judiciary has not commented on the specific treason cases cited by both sides.