UN Special Rapporteur urges Zambia to end post-election crackdown, free detainees

“Alongside documented instances of voter intimidation, assaults, and abductions, the escalation of violence and loss of life – including of a former cabinet minister and polling agent, requires immediate international scrutiny,” Romero said.

The Special Rapporteur noted that concerns about attacks on political opponents had already been raised in an official communication to government ahead of the elections.

She added that similar concerns were included in 2025 by the Special Rapporteur on freedom of opinion and expression.

“This crisis reflects a broader pattern of shrinking civic space. The pattern of restrictions includes arbitrary arrests of opposition leaders, parliamentarians, and civil society actors on charges that were often disproportionate and legally ambiguous,” Romero said.

She further cited the government’s de facto cancellation of RightsCon in Lusaka days before it was scheduled to start, attributing it to administrative withdrawal and alleged foreign political pressure.

Romero said arbitrary detentions and charges including sedition and espionage violated international standards under the ICCPR.

“A healthy democracy requires that all voices—including opposition members, religious leaders, civil society actors, and journalists—speak freely without fear,” Romero said.

She demanded that authorities should release all political detainees, respect fundamental freedoms, and restore democratic accountability.

Romero said she remained in contact with Zambian authorities on the matter and called on government to uphold democratic integrity, safeguard civic space, and immediately cease the criminalisation of political dissent.

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