International human rights organization Human Rights Watch (HRW) has formally called on authorities in Zambia to bring an immediate end to the severe clampdown targeting the political opposition. This wave of repression purportedly escalated following the disputed electoral victory of President Hakainde Hichilema in August, triggering widespread alarm among international observers.

According to a detailed report published on Sunday, the Zambian government stands accused of systematically silencing critical voices. Numerous opposition figures, journalists, and defense lawyers have reportedly been subjected to arbitrary arrests, intimidation, and in some cases, enforced disappearances. Ashwanee Budoo-Scholtz, the deputy Africa director at HRW, stated that the prevailing climate of fear has severely crippled civic and political engagement.

The report highlights the case of Brian Mundubile, Hichilema’s primary political rival, who was detained on treason charges while the president was being sworn in for a second term at the National Heroes Stadium in Lusaka. During a controversial police raid linked to these events, former cabinet member Mutotwe Kafwaya was shot and killed. HRW has strongly urged the authorities to establish an independent, impartial investigation into the fatality.

Compounding these concerns, Zambian authorities abruptly shut down the nation's court system just two weeks after the contentious vote. While police labeled the closure an intelligence-led preventive measure, critics and human rights advocates argue that the move effectively deprives the opposition of any legal avenues to challenge the election results.

Source: www.aljazeera.com