RESOLUTION ON THE KILLING OF MUTOTWE KAFWAYA & POST-ELECTORAL REPRESSION IN ZAMBIA – EUROPIAN PARLIAMENT
The European Parliament,
– having regard to Rule 150(5) and 136(4) of its Rules of Procedure,
A. whereas Zambia held general elections on 13 August 2026, in which President Hakainde Hichilema was re-elected for a second five-year term;
B. whereas the EU Election Observation Mission (EU EOM) assessed election day as calm and competitive, while identifying several shortcomings in campaign conditions, severe advantages enjoyed by incumbency, and serious concerns regarding the transparency and credibility of the counting and tabulation process;
C. whereas following reports of alleged violent incidents at certain counting centres, on 14 August 2026, the Electoral Commission of Zambia (ECZ) suspended the tabulation and announcement of the results;
D. whereas, on 14 August 2026, security forces raided a property in Lusaka linked to Brian Mundubile, who was the runner-up at the elections and opposition candidate; whereas during the raid opposition member and former minister Mutotwe Kafwaya was fatally shot and 11 others were arrested; whereas the authorities claim that this raid was intended to seize illegal weapons and to prevent an armed attack on the government;
E. whereas on 29 August Mr Mundubile and his running mate Makebi Zulu were detained and charged with treason; whereas lawyers of both indicated that they had difficulties in being allowed to meet the defendants in prison;
F. whereas due to security concerns Zambia’s High Court was exceptionally closed on 24 August, the last day to file complaints about the elections;
G. whereas there were already violent incidents during the campaign and the EU EOM delegation had repeatedly called on all political leaders and their supporters to refrain from violent acts;
1. Takes note of the election results and expresses serious concern about the killing of Mr Kafwaya;
2. Calls on the authorities to swiftly produce clear evidence on the treason charges against Mr Mundubile and Mr Zulu and underlines, in full accordance with Zambian laws, that both must receive a fair trial with adequate legal protection;
3. Underlines that security operations should be proportionate, and calls for an independent and transparent investigation into the 14 August security operation which led to the death of Mr Kafwaya;
4. Is concerned about the recent shrinking of civil space in Zambia and encourages all stakeholders to build on Zambia’s strong democratic record and address any grievances peacefully and constructively; underlines that any disputes should be addressed through the established legal procedures;
5. Points to the findings by the EU EOM and calls upon the government to swiftly investigate the serious incidents and irregularities during the counting and tabulation, which had a negative impact on the transparency and the credibility of the process; recommends to implement the EOM’s recommendations to strengthen public confidence;
6. Reaffirms the European Union’s commitment to its longstanding partnership with Zambia and to supporting a democratic, peaceful, stable and prosperous future for the country;
7. Instructs its President to forward this resolution to the Council, the Commission, the VP/HR, the governments and parliaments of the Member States, the Government and Parliament of Zambia.
