STATEMENT BY THE ACTING PRESIDENT, AMBASSADOR MARY ZAMBEZI, ON THE ARREST OF HON. FAITH MUNTHALI
The Citizens First Party (CF) wishes to express its strongest condemnation of the unprofessional and deeply concerning conduct exhibited by the Zambia Police Service in the arrest of Hon. Faith Munthali, Member of Parliament.
This latest action is not an isolated incident but forms part of a troubling pattern of conduct by law enforcement authorities before, during, and after the August 13, 2026 General Elections, conduct that raises serious questions about the respect for constitutionalism, due process, and the rule of law in our country.
Hon. Munthali is a duly elected lawmaker, entrusted with the mandate of the people. As such, she is entitled to the full protection of the law and the respect accorded to her office. Established legal procedure demands that where her presence is required by law enforcement, she should have been formally notified and given reasonable time to present herself, with the benefit of legal counsel of her choosing. Instead, the manner in which she was apprehended in an abrupt and forceful way undermines both her rights and the dignity of her public office.
CF views this approach as excessive, unjustified, and inconsistent with the principles of a democratic society governed by the rule of law.
We therefore call upon key stakeholders, including the Law Association of Zambia, women’s organizations, civil society actors, and all citizens who believe in accountability and justice, to speak out against this act and demand the immediate release of Hon. Faith Munthali.
Furthermore, we urge President Hakainde Hichilema to bring an end to what increasingly appears to be the use of legal processes as instruments of political persecution. The elections have concluded. The Zambian people now expect leadership focused on addressing the pressing challenges they face such as economic hardship, energy insecurity, and social stability, not the continued targeting of political opponents or actions that risk rendering citizens vulnerable through measures such as the cancellation of passports, thereby rendering your own citizens stateless.
Zambia stands at a delicate moment. Our nation requires healing, unity, and a renewed commitment to democratic values. Leadership at this time must rise above division and embody the responsibility of restoring peace, trust, and national cohesion.
CF, under the leadership of Mr. Harry Kalaba, remains committed to playing a constructive role in closing the leadership gap and contributing to the restoration of constitutional democracy and national stability.
We reiterate our demand for the immediate release of Hon. Faith Munthali and call for a return to professionalism, restraint, and adherence to the rule of law by all state institutions.
Thank you and may God bless the Republic of Zambia.
Amb. Marry Zambezi
CF Acting President