# Zambian election political unrest and arrests

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/zambian-election-political-unrest-and-arrests
> Updated: 2026-08-16T18:28:22.000Z. Sources: 13. Developments: 2.

During the Zambian presidential election, tensions escalated between the government and the National Reconciliation Party for Unity and Prosperity (NRP-UP). On August 12, NRP-UP candidate Brian Mundubile reported raids on his media command centre and alleged that over 40 campaign members were arrested or abducted. Mundubile described the election as a ‘second independence’ while warning of potential vote manipulation.

Following these reports, security forces conducted a raid in the Kabulonga area of Lusaka on August 13. The government stated the operation targeted a suspected militia involved in an armed insurrection plot, reporting the seizure of military weapons and an exchange of gunfire. Eleven individuals, including senior opposition figures such as George Chisanga and Bishop Trevor Mwamba, were arrested. 

While Mundubile was present during the raid and characterized it as an attempt on his life, the government denied claims that opposition members were shot or abducted. As the country awaits election results, which currently show incumbent Hakainde Hichilema leading, the opposition has dismissed the insurrection allegations, asserting that those detained are political activists.

## Claims

- The security operation in Lusaka's Kabulonga area targeted suspected militia members and persons of interest linked to threats against state security. (corroborated by 9 sources)
- Authorities seized high-grade military weapons and ammunition allegedly intended for an armed insurrection. (corroborated by 9 sources)
- An exchange of gunfire occurred between occupants of the premises and law enforcement officers during the operation. (corroborated by 9 sources)
- NRP-UP presidential candidate Brian Mundubile was present at the scene but was not taken into custody. (corroborated by 8 sources)
- Several individuals, including George Chisanga, Bishop Trevor Mwamba, Simon Phiri, Richard Banda, Francis Mulenga, and Patrick Mwansa, were apprehended. (corroborated by 6 sources)
- The security operation took place on August 13, 2026. (corroborated by 4 sources)
- Opposition leader Brian Mundubile claimed via social media that his house was surrounded by the army and that he was shot at. (corroborated by 4 sources)
- The Zambian government denied claims that Mutotwe Kafwaya was shot and hospitalized at Maina Soko Military Hospital. (single source)

## Timeline

### 2026-08-16: Zambia arrests 11 people, including opposition figures, in Lusaka raid

Zambian authorities arrested 11 people, including senior opposition figures, following a raid in Lusaka. The government alleges the group was planning an armed insurrection using high-grade military weapons.

11 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/zambia-security-operation-in-lusaka-targets-suspected-militia

### 2026-08-12: Zambia election: Tensions rise as NRP-UP candidate reports raids and arrests

Amid Zambia's presidential election, NRP-UP candidate Brian Mundubile warned of vote manipulation while his campaign reported an armed raid on their media centre and the arrest of dozens of members.

4 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/zambia-election-tensions-rise-as-nrp-up-candidate-reports-raids-and-arrests

---
Cite as: Zambian election political unrest and arrests. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/zambian-election-political-unrest-and-arrests