Human Rights Watch (HRW) has urged Zambia's government to end an intensifying crackdown on opposition figures, journalists, lawyers and government critics following President Hakainde Hichilema's disputed re-election in August 2026.
The organization documented widespread allegations of arbitrary detention, enforced disappearances and mistreatment by security forces, raising concerns over political freedoms and accountability.
In its report, HRW documented 71 cases of potentially politically motivated arrests or prolonged detention, alongside 14 apparent enforced disappearances and 61 allegations of physical abuse.
Eighteen detainees faced treason charges, while two also faced sedition charges.
The organization said some detainees were denied legal representation, medical treatment and contact with relatives.
Among those arrested were 43 opposition election monitors detained on August 14.
Their lawyers alleged that security personnel beat them and withheld food during their detention.
A Lusaka court ordered their release on September 10.
Opposition leader Brian Mundubile and his running mate, Makebi Zulu, were arrested on August 27 and subsequently charged with treason and sedition-related offenses after disputing the election results.
HRW also reported threats against journalists, lawyers and relatives of government critics living abroad.
Hichilema secured another presidential term following the August 13 election, which observers said was affected by irregularities and restrictions on fundamental freedoms.
Security forces raided Mundubile's Lusaka residence on August 14, during an operation in which former minister Mutotwe Kafwaya was killed.
Police attributed the shooting to an exchange of gunfire, while opposition figures alleged security personnel were responsible.
HRW demanded an independent investigation into the killing.
Authorities also suspended judicial services between August 24 and 28, preventing legal challenges to the election results.
Zambia's government has rejected allegations that opposition affiliation automatically makes criminal suspects political detainees, maintaining that legal protections remain available.
HRW called for the release of arbitrarily detained individuals, medical care for detainees and accountability for security force abuses.
The organization also urged regional leaders and international partners to press Zambia to restore political freedoms.