Sittings · Document
On post-electoral repression in Zambia and the killing of Mutotwe Kafwaya
on behalf of the PPE Group · Rapporteur: Sebastião Bugalho, Reinhold Lopatka, David McAllister, Isabel WiselerLima, Ingeborg Ter Laak, Željana Zovko, Tomas Tobé, Andrey Kovatchev, Wouter Beke, Tomáš Zdechovský, Miriam Lexmann, Jan Farský, Michał Wawrykiewicz, Dariusz Joński, Mirosława Nykiel, Magdalena Adamowicz, Liudas Mažylis, Danuše Nerudová, Łukasz Kohut, Vangelis Meimarakis, Ondřej Kolář, Ana Miguel Pedro, Jessica Polfjärd, Inese Vaidere, Luděk Niedermayer, Loránt Vincze
Parliament's resolution on post-electoral repression in Zambia and the killing of Mutotwe Kafwaya takes note of the 13 August 2026 election results and expresses serious concern about the killing of Mr Kafwaya during a security raid in Lusaka.¶¶¶ It calls on the authorities to produce clear evidence on the treason charges against Mr Mundubile and Mr Zulu and says both must receive a fair trial with adequate legal protection.¶¶ It calls for an independent and transparent investigation into the 14 August security operation and says security operations should be proportionate.¶ It points to the EU Election Observation Mission's findings and asks the government to investigate irregularities in counting and tabulation and to implement the mission's recommendations.¶¶ It voices concern about the shrinking of civil space and reaffirms the EU's commitment to its partnership with Zambia.¶¶
Key points
- Takes note of the election results and expresses serious concern about the killing of Mr Kafwaya.¶
- Calls on the authorities to swiftly produce clear evidence on the treason charges against Mr Mundubile and Mr Zulu.¶
- Underlines that both must receive a fair trial with adequate legal protection, in full accordance with Zambian laws.¶
- Underlines that security operations should be proportionate.¶
- Calls for an independent and transparent investigation into the 14 August security operation which led to the death of Mr Kafwaya.¶
- Is concerned about the recent shrinking of civil space in Zambia and encourages all stakeholders to build on Zambia's strong democratic record.¶
- Underlines that any disputes should be addressed through the established legal procedures and grievances addressed peacefully and constructively.¶
- Points to the EU EOM findings and calls upon the government to swiftly investigate serious incidents and irregularities during counting and tabulation.¶
- Recommends implementing the EOM's recommendations to strengthen public confidence.¶
- 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.¶
Who is affected
- Zambian authorities, who are asked to produce evidence, ensure a fair trial and investigate the security operation.¶¶¶
- Mr Mundubile and Mr Zulu, who face treason charges and must receive a fair trial with legal protection.¶¶
- Zambian government, which is called on to investigate irregularities and implement EOM recommendations.¶
- All stakeholders in Zambia, encouraged to address grievances peacefully and constructively.¶
Figures and deadlines
- 13 August 2026: date of Zambia's general elections.¶
- 14 August 2026: date the Electoral Commission of Zambia suspended tabulation and announcement of results.¶
- 14 August 2026: date of the security raid in Lusaka in which Mr Kafwaya was fatally shot and 11 others were arrested.¶
- 29 August: date Mr Mundubile and Mr Zulu were detained and charged with treason.¶
- 24 August: date Zambia's High Court was exceptionally closed, the last day to file election complaints.¶
- second five-year term: length of President Hakainde Hichilema's re-election.¶
Written by a language model from the full text only; every figure comes from the text and ¶ links to the paragraph it rests on. Check the text itself before relying on it.