HRW reports 14 disappearances and 71 suspected political detentions in Zambia
By the AFREEQUE newsroom, based on Zambian Observer
Human Rights Watch accuses Zambia’s police and military of making 14 people disappear, committing 61 alleged abuses and carrying out 71 arrests or detentions potentially motivated by political reasons after the August 2026 general elections. In a report published on 1 November, the organisation called, among other things, for the release of arbitrarily detained people and an independent investigation into the death of former minister Mutotwe Kafwaya.
Human Rights Watch (HRW) has recorded 14 alleged enforced disappearances, 61 reported cases of abuse and 71 arrests or prolonged detentions potentially motivated by political considerations in Zambia following the August 2026 general elections. The human rights organisation published the figures on 1 November, according to its report.
HRW accuses the Zambian police and military of targeting opposition activists, election observers, lawyers, journalists and government critics. Its deputy Africa director, Ashwanee Budoo-Scholtz, called on the authorities to ensure detainees have access to lawyers and medical care, release those arbitrarily detained and prosecute officers responsible for abuses.
The report also calls for an independent investigation into the death of former minister Mutotwe Kafwaya, who was killed on 14 August during a security operation at the home of opposition figure Brian Mundubile. Inspector General of Police Graphel Musamba says officers came under fire and returned fire, while HRW points to conflicting official accounts.
HRW also says that 43 opposition election observers remained missing for eight days before a court in Lusaka ordered their release. The organisation also criticises the closure of courts from 24 to 28 August, during the period in which the presidential results were being contested. The Zambian government had rejected criticism from a UN special rapporteur, saying opposition members could be investigated for criminal offences and challenge their detention in court. Zambia is due to serve on the UN Human Rights Council for the 2027-2029 term.
