Event Summary
On 29 October 2025, Mambilima MP Jean Chisenga and 11 others were arrested in Lusaka for alleged conduct likely to cause a breach of peace after a confrontation with police while attempting to hold a political meeting. Authorities claimed the gathering was unsanctioned, while opposition sources described it as routine community engagement. The group was detained at Chelstone Police Station, charged, and later released on bond.
This incident reflects a broader pattern of state actions targeting opposition figures, activists, and civil society since mid-2024. Authorities have increasingly invoked the Public Order Act to restrict political meetings, protests, and mobilization efforts. Opposition rallies have been blocked or dispersed under the guise of maintaining order, while critics—including journalists—face harassment or detention. These measures signal sustained pressure on dissenting voices and a growing intolerance for alternative political expression. The reliance on restrictive laws suggests an entrenched approach to controlling political space through legal and administrative means rather than dialogue, eroding trust in democratic institutions.
The arrests deepen the shrinking civic and political space, creating a chilling effect on community engagement and weakening confidence in law enforcement neutrality. Civil society organizations have condemned the recurring use of vague public order provisions, warning that such actions undermine constitutional rights and risk escalating political polarization. CSOs urge authorities to review the Public Order Act, uphold equal treatment of all political actors, and safeguard civic freedoms ahead of the 2026 elections.