Zambian opposition leader Brian Mundubile has been questioned by police after spending several days in hiding following his dispute over the country’s recent presidential election, state broadcaster ZNBC reports.
Authorities reportedly took Mundubile into police custody after he and his running mate, Makebi Zulu, had stayed at a secure location under United Nations protection in Lusaka.
Police are now questioning the two opposition figures in the presence of their lawyers. ZNBC says officers summoned them over alleged activities that authorities believe could threaten national security.
Mundubile Disputes Election Result
Zambia held its presidential election on August 13. Official results declared incumbent President Hakainde Hichilema the winner with about 60% of the vote.
Mundubile received approximately 38%, according to the official results.
However, the opposition leader disputed the outcome and later went into hiding.
His NRPUP party said Mundubile moved to a secure location under the protection of an international human rights organisation because of threats against him.
ZNBC later reported that the United Nations had protected both Mundubile and Zulu in Lusaka.
Security Forces Raid Lusaka Property
Tensions increased sharply after the election.
The day after voting ended, security forces raided a property in Lusaka that authorities linked to Mundubile. During the operation, a former cabinet minister died and several other politicians faced arrest.
Authorities accused members of the opposition of preparing for an armed insurgency. Opposition figures rejected those accusations.
The raid added to concerns about political tensions following the presidential election.
Opposition Loses Chance to Challenge Result
Mundubile and his political allies also faced difficulties in challenging the election result through the courts.
The opposition could not file a legal challenge before the deadline because authorities sealed off the courts on Monday, which was the final day for submitting an election petition.
The development has raised further questions about the political situation in Zambia as authorities continue investigating allegations involving opposition figures.
For now, Mundubile and his running mate remain under police questioning with their lawyers present. Further details about possible charges or the next steps in the investigation have not yet emerged.
