*STATEMENT FROM THE ZAMBIAN DIASPORA ON THE POST-ELECTION SITUATION*
By Isaac Mulezuma Njobvu
Diaspora Coordinator Chairperson
The Zambian Diaspora remains deeply concerned about the political, democratic and human-rights environment following the 13 August 2026 General Elections.
While the Electoral Commission of Zambia has announced the presidential results, the events surrounding the election and its aftermath have raised serious questions about democratic governance, the protection of fundamental freedoms, the treatment of political opponents, the rule of law and the conduct of state institutions.
For us in the Diaspora, this is not simply a question of which political party wins or loses.
It is fundamentally about what kind of democracy we want Zambia to remain and whether our constitutional institutions are strong enough to protect every citizen, including those who criticise the Government, belong to opposition political parties or hold views that are unpopular with those in power.
*THE EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT’S RESOLUTION*
The international dimension of the situation can no longer be ignored.
On 17 September 2026, the European Parliament adopted a resolution entitled “Post-electoral repression in Zambia and the killing of Mutotwe Kafwaya.” The matter had been debated in Parliament on 16 September and was formally adopted the following day. The European Parliament classifies the matter within its work on the human-rights situation in the world.
This is significant because the European Union has maintained a longstanding engagement with Zambia’s democratic institutions. The EU Election Observation Mission was invited by the Zambian authorities and deployed throughout the country to independently observe the electoral process.
The EU observers reported that election day was generally calm and that voters were presented with a competitive choice. However, they also identified restrictions on fundamental freedoms, unequal campaign conditions and concerns about the transparency and credibility of the counting and tabulation process.
Following the suspension of the counting and announcement of results on 14 August, the EU Election Observation Mission reported a deterioration in the conduct of tabulation. It also reported that the heavy military presence in totalling centres was perceived as intimidating by many interlocutors and was associated with a reduction in the presence of party agents and citizen observers.
These observations deserve serious consideration by Zambia’s institutions.
They should not be interpreted as an attempt by the European Union to determine Zambia’s political leadership. Rather, they should be understood as an international assessment of democratic standards to which Zambia itself has committed.
*THE POST-ELECTION HUMAN-RIGHTS ENVIRONMENT*
The concerns do not end with the management of the election.
The Commonwealth Secretary-General expressed concern about the post-election situation and called for full respect for human rights and the rule of law, an end to arbitrary arrests, due process and the release of people detained for political reasons. The Commonwealth also called for a transparent investigation into the security operation in which former Minister Hon. Mutotwe Kafwaya lost his life.
The detention and prosecution of opposition figures must therefore be handled through the ordinary institutions of justice.
Where there are genuine criminal allegations, those allegations should be tested before independent courts. But political disagreement, criticism of government or opposition political activity should not in themselves become grounds for denying citizens their fundamental rights.
The principle must remain simple:
Nobody should be above the law, but nobody should be beneath the protection of the law either.
THE DEATH OF HON. MUTOTWE KAFWAYA
The death of Hon. Mutotwe Kafwaya during a security operation on 14 August has become one of the most serious issues arising from the post-election period.
The Diaspora does not seek to prejudge the circumstances or determine criminal responsibility.
What we seek is something much more fundamental: truth.
We therefore support calls for an independent, transparent and credible investigation capable of establishing exactly what happened, identifying the circumstances that led to his death and determining responsibility where the evidence establishes wrongdoing.
Justice must not depend on political affiliation.
A life lost during a security operation deserves the same commitment to truth and accountability irrespective of whether the deceased was a government supporter, opposition politician or ordinary citizen.
THE CANCELLATION OF PASSPORTS AND THE DIASPORA
We are particularly concerned about the recent cancellation of passports belonging to several prominent government critics.
On 11 September, Zambian authorities cancelled passports belonging to former Ambassador Emmanuel Mwamba, academic and commentator Dr Sishuwa Sishuwa, former opposition MPs Binwell Mpundu and Emmanuel Jay Banda, former State House aide Kaizer Zulu and blogger Lillian Mutambo. The Government’s stated basis was national security.
We recognise that every sovereign state has legitimate responsibilities concerning national security and the administration of passports.
However, the exercise of such powers must be lawful, transparent, proportionate and subject to due process.
Amnesty International has raised serious concerns about these cancellations, arguing that administrative powers relating to passports should not be used to silence dissidents, activists or political opponents and linking the issue to the internationally recognised right to freedom of movement under Article 12 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights. Amnesty also notes that political criticism or opposition to government is not, by itself, listed as a ground for passport cancellation under the relevant Zambian legislation.
These concerns should not simply be dismissed.
For Zambians living abroad, the development inevitably raises an important question:
If prominent Zambian critics can have their passports cancelled while living or operating in the Diaspora, what message does this send to the millions of Zambians abroad who participate in political, civic and democratic debate about their country?
Even where the Government maintains that national security is the reason, the absence of transparent and individualised explanations can create a perception of intimidation and uncertainty among citizens abroad.
We therefore believe that the authorities should provide clear legal reasons to the affected individuals and ensure that they have access to appropriate administrative and judicial remedies.
The issue is bigger than the six individuals affected.
It concerns the confidence of the entire Zambian Diaspora that peaceful political expression, criticism of government and participation in national affairs will not expose citizens to arbitrary administrative consequences.
THE DIASPORA MUST NOT BE SILENCED
Zambians living outside the country remain Zambian citizens.
Our physical location does not remove our connection to our country, our families, our communities or our constitutional rights.
The Diaspora contributes financially to Zambia, supports families, invests in communities, participates in civic organisations and continues to engage in national affairs.
We therefore have a legitimate interest in Zambia’s democratic development.
Our advocacy, however, must remain peaceful and responsible.
We must reject violence, threats, incitement, hate speech and personal attacks.
At the same time, peaceful criticism of government must not be treated as hostility towards the State.
A Government that is confident in its democratic institutions should be able to tolerate criticism.
And citizens who criticise government should equally respect the law and the rights of others.
*OUR CALL AS THE ZAMBIAN DIASPORA*
In light of these developments, we call for:
1. Respect for constitutionalism and the rule of law
All institutions of State must operate within Zambia’s Constitution and applicable legislation.
2. Due process for all detained persons
Every person facing criminal allegations must have access to legal representation, a fair hearing and humane treatment.
3. An independent investigation into the death of Hon. Mutotwe Kafwaya
The circumstances surrounding his death must be established transparently and impartially.
4. Protection of freedom of expression and political association
Zambians must be able to express political opinions and participate peacefully in political activity without fear of retaliation.
5. Transparency over passport cancellations
Affected citizens should receive clear legal reasons for the cancellation of their passports and have access to effective mechanisms for review and appeal.
6. Protection of the Zambian Diaspora
Zambians abroad should not live under the perception that peaceful political expression could result in administrative retaliation affecting their citizenship documentation or ability to travel.
7. Respect for independent journalism and civil society
Journalists, academics, activists, human-rights defenders and civil-society organisations must be able to perform their legitimate functions without intimidation.
8. Constructive national dialogue
Political parties, churches, civil society, traditional leaders, professional bodies and other stakeholders should engage in meaningful dialogue aimed at reducing tensions and strengthening democratic institutions.
*OUR MESSAGE TO THE INTERNATIONAL COMMUNITY*
As Diaspora Coordinator Chairperson, I also wish to make clear that our appeal to the international community is not an invitation to govern Zambia from outside.
Zambia is a sovereign nation, and ultimately Zambians and Zambia’s constitutional institutions must determine the country’s political future.
However, Zambia has voluntarily committed itself to international and regional human-rights and democratic standards.
Consequently, international observation, scrutiny and engagement have an important role to play in encouraging transparency, accountability and respect for fundamental rights.
The European Parliament’s resolution, the EU Election Observation Mission’s findings and the Commonwealth’s post-election statement demonstrate that the developments in Zambia are attracting legitimate international attention.
We therefore encourage international partners to continue engaging Zambia constructively and to encourage the Government and all political actors to respect democratic institutions, human rights and the rule of law.
*OUR MESSAGE TO ZAMBIA*
This is not a moment for revenge.
It is not a moment for political triumphalism.
It is not a moment to silence opponents.
It is a moment for reflection, restraint, dialogue and constitutional responsibility.
The strength of a democracy is not demonstrated by how it treats those who agree with those in power.
It is demonstrated by how it treats those who disagree.
Let truth be established.
Let justice take its course.
Let the courts operate independently.
Let citizens speak peacefully.
Let political differences be resolved constitutionally.
Let those who are detained receive due process.
Let the circumstances surrounding the death of Hon. Mutotwe Kafwaya be transparently established.
And let every Zambian—whether living in Lusaka, Copperbelt, Western Province, London, Johannesburg, Washington, Melbourne or anywhere else in the world know that their citizenship and their right to participate peacefully in the affairs of their country are respected.
Zambia belongs to all of us.
Its democracy belongs to all of us.
Its Constitution belongs to all of us.
And the responsibility to protect Zambia’s democratic future belongs to all of us.
Isaac Mulezuma Njobvu
Diaspora Coordinator Chairperson