HRW calls on Zambia to halt post-election crackdown

Human Rights Watch has urged Zambian authorities to end the crackdown on the opposition launched after President Hakainde Hichilema’s disputed re-election in August 2026. In a report released on Sunday, the group accused the government of silencing critics and cited arrests and disappearances involving opposition members, journalists and lawyers. HRW said security forces also arbitrarily detained, beat and threatened people before and after the vote. Deputy Africa director Ashwanee Budoo-Scholtz called for the release of those arbitrarily detained, access to lawyers and medical care, and accountability for abuses.