LUSAKA, Zambia
Zambian security forces arrested 11 people, including prominent opposition figures, following a raid in Lusaka’s Kabulonga neighborhood after the August 13, 2026, presidential and general elections, according to a government statement released late Sunday. Authorities reported that the operation resulted in the seizure of high-caliber military weapons, ammunition, and materials allegedly intended for an armed insurrection. The government stated that the suspects were under surveillance and linked to military plots involving foreign nationals and illegal training camps, posing a serious threat to state security. Officials noted that shots were fired at law enforcement officers during the raid, leading to an exchange of fire.
Brian Mundubile, the main opposition presidential candidate, was at the scene of the raid. The country's top official, Patrick Kangwa, confirmed Mundubile's presence. Mundubile described the incident as an assassination attempt and claimed that his associates were shot in his presence. He had previously declared himself the election winner and alleged voting irregularities, despite trailing incumbent President Hakainde Hichilema in partial results.
Those detained include Patrick Mwansa husband of Tasila Lungu, daughter of former President Edgar Lungu as well as a spokesperson for Mundubile and other prominent political party members. The suspects remain in custody at various police stations in Lusaka. Opposition representatives had previously called for the safe return of members of Mundubile’s inner circle who, they claimed, had been detained or had gone missing.
Vote counting from Thursday's election continues, Partial results, covering anywhere from just over half to nearly 71 percent of the constituencies, show Hichilema in the lead. In subsequent updates, Hichilema’s share of valid votes stood at around 62 percent, while Mundubile had secured nearly 36 percent. To win outright in the first round, a candidate needs to secure more than 50 percent of the vote. The Electoral Commission of Zambia had briefly suspended the announcement of results on Friday amid reports of violence against election staff and alleged ballot theft before resuming the count.
These developments have heightened tension in this southern African nation, a major copper producer. Opposition parties and civil society groups had expressed concern regarding restrictions and intimidation in the run-up to the election. Both the government and the opposition continue to offer conflicting accounts of the raid and the surrounding circumstances as the final election results are awaited.