Zambia: Eleven opposition members arrested after armed raid in Lusaka

Zambian security forces arrested eleven people, including several opposition figures, accused of plotting an armed insurrection. The operation took place Friday evening in Lusaka, a few days after the August 14 presidential election.

The Zambian government claims to have foiled an insurrection plot. During a raid conducted Friday evening in the capital, security forces seized high-end military weapons, ammunition, and other materials intended, according to authorities, for an armed rebellion. Eleven people were arrested and taken into custody at various police stations in Lusaka.

Patrick Kangwa, the state's top official, stated that the individuals arrested were linked to "military plans involving foreign nationals and illegal military training camps." He added that gunfire was exchanged between the suspects and law enforcement during the operation.

Among those arrested was Patrick Mwansa, the husband of Tasila Lungu, daughter of former president Edgar Lungu, as well as other political figures. Brian Mundubile, the main opposition presidential candidate, was also present at the scene during the raid, according to Kangwa.

Mundubile strongly disputed the official version, calling the operation "an attempt on my life" and claiming that "colleagues were shot and wounded" in front of him. He also stated that he had been interrogated by Zambian army officers about two videos he had released and alleged that he had been mistreated in detention, which the authorities deny.

The opposition candidate claimed victory the day after the vote and denounced irregularities: the presence of soldiers at polling stations and ballot manipulation. He also accused Tanzania of sending individuals to interfere in the election. Dar es Salaam categorically rejected these allegations.

With results from more than half of the constituencies counted, Mundubile is trailing incumbent President Hakainde Hichilema. The electoral commission briefly suspended the count on Friday, citing violence against election officials and the theft of marked ballots, before resuming operations the same day.

International observers generally deemed the voting process peaceful and orderly, while raising concerns about belated electoral reforms and restrictions on media freedom in the lead-up to the vote. The situation remains generally calm in Lusaka, although the police presence has increased in some parts of the capital.