Zambian Police Summon Opposition Leader

Zambian police have summoned opposition leader Brian Mundubile and his running mate, Makebi Zulu, for questioning over alleged activities that authorities say could threaten national security.

Mundubile, who contested last week’s presidential election against President Hakainde Hichilema, has gone into hiding and plans to challenge the election results in court.

Hichilema was declared the winner with 60% of the vote, securing a second term in office. Mundubile has rejected the outcome and is expected to file a legal challenge.

In a statement on Thursday, police said they wanted to question Mundubile and Zulu to establish their alleged links to “various alarming activities” that could undermine national security.

Police said the two had sought refuge “under international law with a known international organisation”, without naming the organisation.

The summons follows a security operation last Friday at a property where Mundubile was reportedly present. Police arrested 11 people during the operation and accused some of them of possessing materials intended for an armed insurrection.

Former minister Mutotwe Kafwaya was shot dead during an exchange of gunfire in the operation.

Mundubile could not immediately be reached for comment but has previously dismissed the allegations as fabricated.

The opposition has until early Tuesday to challenge the election results in court, one week after the official announcement.

SOURCE: AFP