Following the political tensions after the 13 August 2026 General Election, including the continued detention of opposition Presidential candidate Brian Mundubile, his running mate Makebi Zulu and 16 others accused of treason and seditious practices and the Government’s cancellation of the passports of six prominent critics, a coalition of Zambian civil society organisations issued a joint statement on 14 September 2026 raising a Call to defend constitutionalism, due process, and the Rule of Law in Zambia.
The CSOs expressed concern over what they described as an emerging pattern of disregard for constitutionalism, due process, the rule of law and human rights before, during and after the elections. They highlighted concerns about the manner in which the passports of the six Zambian government critics were issued without, according to the CSOs, adequate due process. They further highlighted the continued detention and addition of charges against opposition presidential candidate, his running mate and other detainees who are currently at Mukubeko Maximum Prison in Kabwe awaiting court appearance. Among their many concerns was what they described as a growing pattern of abduction-style arrests of government critics and opposition figures; this follows the incident in which Mafinga South Member of Parliament Faith Munthali was arrested and taken into police custody on 12 September 2026.
The Government of Zambia has rejected the allegations and defended its position in response to the CSO statement. They further cited that the action to cancel passports was done in accordance with the law and stated that the CSO claims were not true. The CSOs called for restoration of the cancelled passports, prompt court proceedings or release of detainees, independent investigations into allegations of torture, an end to practices amounting to enforced disappearance, and stronger adherence to constitutionalism, due process and separation of powers. They also called for inclusive national dialogue and engagement by regional and international human-rights mechanisms.