What changed

B100418/2026

European Parliament resolution on the post-electoral repression in Zambia and the killing of Mutotwe Kafwaya

European Parliament resolution on post-electoral repression in Zambia and the killing of Mutotwe Kafwaya

(2026/2876(RSP))

The European Parliament,

having regard to Rule 150(5) and 136(4) of its Rules of Procedure,

– having regard to its previous resolutions on Zambia, including of 18 May 2017 on the case of Hakainde Hichelema,

whereas Zambia held general elections on 13 August 2026, in which President Hakainde Hichilema was re-elected for a second five-year term;

– having regard to Rules 150(5) and 136(4) of its Rules of Procedure,

whereas the EU Election Observation Mission (EU EOM) assessed election day as calm and competitive, while identifying several shortcomings in campaign conditions, severe advantages enjoyed by incumbency, and serious concerns regarding the transparency and credibility of the counting and tabulation process;

A. whereas Zambia held elections on 13 August 2026;

whereas following reports of alleged violent incidents at certain counting centres, on 14 August 2026, the Electoral Commission of Zambia (ECZ) suspended the tabulation and announcement of the results;

B. whereas on 14 August 2026, state security forces raided a property in Lusaka linked to opposition presidential candidate Brian Mundubile, arrested several opposition members, and fatally shot opposition member and former minister Mutotwe Kafwaya;

whereas, on 14 August 2026, security forces raided a property in Lusaka linked to Brian Mundubile, who was the runner-up at the elections and opposition candidate; whereas during the raid opposition member and former minister Mutotwe Kafwaya was fatally shot and 11 others were arrested; whereas the authorities claim that this raid was intended to seize illegal weapons and to prevent an armed attack on the government;

C. whereas on the last day for filing election petitions, the Zambian authorities closed court premises, thereby restricting access to justice;

whereas on 29D. Augustwhereas MrBrian Mundubile and his running mate Makebi Zulu were detained andand, with 16 others, charged with treason; whereas lawyerstheir oflawyers bothclaim indicateddifficulties thatin theymeeting hadthese difficultiesdefendants in beingprison; allowedwhereas tosuspects meetcharged thewith defendantstreason incannot prison;be released on bail and, if convicted, face 20 years to life imprisonment;

whereas due to security concerns Zambia’s High Court was exceptionally closed on 24 August, the last day to file complaints about the elections;

E. whereas before and after the elections, the authorities arrested, detained and intimidated opposition members and supporters; whereas, according to the Zambian Human Rights Commission, at least 84 people were detained without formal charges; whereas the passports of seven opposition figures and government critics have been revoked;

whereas there were already violent incidents during the campaign and the EU EOM delegation had repeatedly called on all political leaders and their supporters to refrain from violent acts;

F. whereas the situation of media freedom has deteriorated; whereas five broadcasting stations face compliance hearings at the Independent Broadcasting Authority;

Takes note of the election results and expresses serious concern about the killing of Mr Kafwaya;

G. whereas the EU has deepened its partnership with Zambia through Global Gateway and the Critical Raw Materials Partnership and has provided substantial development assistance;

Calls on the authorities to swiftly produce clear evidence on the treason charges against Mr Mundubile and Mr Zulu and underlines, in full accordance with Zambian laws, that both must receive a fair trial with adequate legal protection;

1. Condemns the killing of Mutotwe Kafwaya and the increase in political repression since the elections;

Underlines2. thatUrges securitythe operationsZambian shouldauthorities beto proportionate,ensure independent and callstransparent forinvestigations aninto independentall allegations of unlawful use of force, arbitrary arrest and transparentintimidation, investigationand, particularly, into the 14circumstances Augustof the killing of Mutotwe Kafwaya, holding those responsible accountable; underlines that security operationoperations whichshould ledbe toproportionate and in accordance with the deathrule of Mr Kafwaya;law;

Is concerned about the recent shrinking of civil space in Zambia and encourages all stakeholders to build on Zambia’s strong democratic record and address any grievances peacefully and constructively; underlines that any disputes should be addressed through the established legal procedures;

3. Calls on the Zambian authorities to end and refrain from arbitrary arrest, detention and intimidation of opposition members and supporters, ensure that detainees are informed of the grounds for their arrest and charges and have access to legal counsel, family and medical care, bring them before independent and impartial courts without delay, and guarantee their right to a fair trial;

Points to the findings by the EU EOM and calls upon the government to swiftly investigate the serious incidents and irregularities during the counting and tabulation, which had a negative impact on the transparency and the credibility of the process; recommends to implement the EOM’s recommendations to strengthen public confidence;

4. Calls on the Zambian authorities to uphold freedom of expression, press, media, peaceful assembly and association, and refrain from abuses of national security laws and criminal justice;

Reaffirms the European Union’s commitment to its longstanding partnership with Zambia and to supporting a democratic, peaceful, stable and prosperous future for the country;

5. Encourages all stakeholders to exercise restraint, reject violence and intimidation, and contribute to national reconciliation;

Instructs its President to forward this resolution to the Council, the Commission, the VP/HR, the governments and parliaments of the Member States, the Government and Parliament of Zambia.

6. Recalls the close EU-Zambia partnership; calls for the EU and its Member States to raise these violations at the highest political level, to closely monitor the human rights situation and judicial proceedings, to support Zambian civil society organisations, human rights defenders and journalists, and to follow up on the recommendations of the EU Election Observation Mission in Zambia;

7. Instructs its President to forward this resolution to the Council, the Commission, the VP/HR, the African Union, the UN, and the Government and Parliament of Zambia.