Key facts
- Zambian opposition leader Brian Mundubile and his running mate Makebi Zulu have been charged with treason.
Zambian opposition leader Brian Mundubile and his running mate Makebi Zulu have been charged with treason following their arrest. The charges stem from allegations of threats to national security after a raid where a former minister was killed.

The treason charges against a leading opposition figure amid disputed election results and heightened political tensions signal a potential escalation of political instability in Zambia.
Zambian opposition leader Brian Mundubile and his presidential running mate Makebi Zulu have been charged with treason, according to Mundubile's lawyer. Both individuals remain in police custody. The charges follow Mundubile's arrest on Thursday after he disputed the results of the recent presidential election, which saw incumbent President Hakainde Hichilema win a second term. Authorities accused Mundubile's party of planning an armed insurgency, allegations that have been denied. The arrests came after security forces raided a property linked to Mundubile, during which a former cabinet minister was killed and other politicians were arrested. Mundubile and Zulu had reportedly been in hiding at a United Nations building before their detention. The opposition was unable to legally challenge the election outcome as courts were reportedly sealed off on the final day for filing objections. Official results show Hichilema secured 60% of the vote, while Mundubile received 38%.
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