AGP Executive Report

Post-Election Detentions and Treason Claims: Lusaka’s political heat stays on as reports allege “cooking up witnesses” in the treason case involving Brian Mundubile and Makebi Zulu, while calls for their release grow louder. Tonse-Pamodzi Leadership Dispute: Tonse and Pamodzi leaders say statements attributed to Zumani Zimba do not reflect the alliance’s official position, as the opposition debates dialogue, unity, and recognition of President Hakainde Hichilema. Court and Legal Battles: Opposition figures keep turning to the courts—Celestin Mukandila seeks to quash the Gazette cancellation of his NRC and passport, while others challenge alleged detention and mistreatment after the August 2026 polls. Cabinet and Gender Representation: NGOCC chair Beauty Katebe urges Hichilema to appoint more women to Cabinet and key decision posts ahead of the new term. Digital Governance Push: Zambia launches a National Public Key Infrastructure to secure digital transactions, adding momentum to the country’s digital public infrastructure drive. Regional Diplomacy: Mozambique praises Zambia’s peaceful elections and calls for stronger defence and security cooperation. Food Security Trade: Zambia signs a 540,000 metric-tonne maize export deal with Kenya, aimed at earning forex and supporting farmers.

Digital Identity Push: Zambia launched a National Public Key Infrastructure to secure digital transactions, enable trusted digital IDs, digital signatures and faster public services, with Altron Security completing a key milestone for the system. Governance Reform Debate: Acton Institute for Policy Analysis Centre (AIPAC) urged newly sworn-in MPs to reintroduce deputy ministers, arguing the current gap weakens service delivery and cabinet execution. Post-Election Tensions: Opposition Tonse Alliance figures renewed calls for dialogue while also insisting detained leaders’ cases be handled fairly; meanwhile, allegations about military and courts in the election crisis continue to draw international attention. Sports Accountability: Commonwealth champion Muzala Samukonga criticised Zambia Athletics leadership for poor athlete welfare and forcing athletes to fund national duties. Infrastructure Management: The Road Development Agency (RDA) announced restructuring aimed at improving efficiency, accountability and faster delivery under the Grow Zambia mission. Environment Regulation: ZEMA reduced EIA approval fees and processing time under new 2026 regulations to speed development while keeping oversight. Justice and Rights: Courts and rights groups continued to follow cases involving election-related detentions, including concerns over access to justice and lawyer safety. Business and Trade: DHL and Absa signed an MoU to expand the GoTrade programme to equip SMEs for cross-border trade and e-commerce across Sub-Saharan Africa. Local Economy Wins: Lavushimanda residents welcomed new community ablution blocks under devolution support, improving sanitation around markets.

Post-Election Rule of Law: The Commonwealth Lawyers Association says Zambia’s post-election developments after the 13 August 2026 vote breach Commonwealth legal standards, flagging army deployment during tallying, alleged counting irregularities, a raid linked to opposition candidate Mutotwe Kafwaya’s death, and courts being sealed—while stressing it is not judging the election outcome. Dialogue vs Tension: Opposition figures Binwell Mpundu and others are urging President Hakainde Hichilema to open dialogue and restore political tolerance, while Zambia Army insists it will not be drawn into partisan politics. Legal Challenge Over Citizenship: The Law Association of Zambia will represent Tonse Alliance leader Celestine Mukandila after government cancelled his NRC and passport, with the case now set for court scrutiny. Governance and Cabinet Pressure: Human rights defender Laura Miti urges HH to appoint service-focused leaders for rural Zambia, not political allies, as cabinet appointments loom. EU Election Oversight: The EU Election Observer Mission says it is in the final phase and will deliver its report and recommendations to Zambian authorities and parties within about two months. Mining Safety: MUZ condemns continued mining deaths and calls for stronger safety enforcement, inspections, and accountability. Public Health Updates: Government dismisses claims of an HIV treatment crisis for Zimbabwean returnees, saying patients are screened and linked to care without delay; Petauke also begins injectable PrEP for targeted groups.

Post-Election Rule of Law: The Commonwealth Lawyers Association says Zambia’s post-election developments after the 13 August 2026 vote breach Commonwealth legal standards, raising alarms over access to justice, judicial independence and lawyer safety, citing army deployment during the election, alleged counting irregularities, an armed raid in which former minister Mutotwe Kafwaya was killed, and the sealing of courts. Army and Politics: Zambia Army spokesperson Col Sydney Mwewa warns political actors and social media users not to draw the Defence Force into partisan discourse, stressing the Army’s constitutional, non-partisan role. Dialogue Calls: Copperbelt politician Binwell Mpundu urges President Hakainde Hichilema to open peace talks, arguing Zambia’s politics has become “primitive and dirty” and warning that failure to talk could worsen tensions. Cabinet and Rural Focus: Activist Laura Miti presses President Hichilema to prioritise rural development in Cabinet appointments, including feeder roads, boreholes, and better services for teachers and health workers. Jobs and Regulation: UPND’s George Mtonga questions whether government itself is blocking job creation, pointing to burdensome business inspections and ZRA-related concerns. Agriculture Trade: Government begins talks with a Kenyan firm to buy 10.8 million bags of maize, with details handled by the Food Reserve Agency. Regional Diplomacy: Zambia and Rwanda move toward a reciprocal visa exemption deal after bilateral consultations in Lusaka.

Post-election justice and rights: Tonse Pamodzi Alliance leaders Brian Mundubile and Makebi Zulu say lawyers were turned away twice at Mukobeko Maximum Prison, as calls grow for access and release of political detainees. Cabinet and governance: State House says President Hakainde Hichilema will appoint his second-term Cabinet “in his own time,” as MPs begin full parliamentary work after Vice President Nalumango’s swearing-in. Election petitions and court battles: Ngimbu fires back at a Zambezi Central petition by Dennis Mano, while more election disputes continue across the courts. Sovereignty and international pressure: Anglicans in Africa urge prayers and dialogue over Zambia’s post-electoral tensions, while Zambia’s Army warns against pulling the military into partisan politics. Regional diplomacy and condolences: Zambia and Rwanda hold bilateral consultations; Hichilema also sends condolences over Tanzania’s First Gentleman Hafidh Ameir Hassan’s death. Health and data: WHO launches a Regional Health Data Hub to help countries use trusted health data for decisions. Human interest with politics: Hichilema meets citizens who walked or cycled to State House after the re-election, including a woman who delivered a village chicken after an 850km trek.

Parliament Opens New Term: Mutale Nalumango was sworn in as Zambia’s 2026–2031 National Assembly begins, urging MPs to put Zambia first and work across party lines as ECZ confirms 224 elected members. Election Petitions and Credibility Claims: The NDC says 41 parliamentary petitions filed in court—many by UPND candidates—show the August 13 polls were not credible, while other voices push for reconciliation and due process. Mundubile/Makebi Pressure vs State Position: UN and Catholic calls for release of Brian Mundubile and Makebi Zulu continue to spark pushback, with government and allies arguing the matter is legal and should run its course. Fiscal Discipline Under Grow Zambia: Government reiterates fiscal discipline as it consults on the 2027–2031 Medium-Term Revenue Strategy, reporting K16.1bn released in August for services, debt and social programmes. Energy Update: Zambia’s cumulative solar PV capacity hit about 841MW by end-July 2026, on track for the 1,000MW target. Regional Human Story: Zambia’s Hakainde Hichilema and Kenya’s William Ruto sent condolences after Tanzania’s First Gentleman Hafidh Ameir Hassan died in hospital.

Citizenship and documents in court: Opposition lawyer Celestine Mukandila has challenged the cancellation of his NRC and passport, arguing he is a Zambian citizen by descent through his mother and demanding the legal basis for the “fraud, false declaration, and misrepresentation” claims. Detention and election rights: Former Constitutional Court judge Ann-Mwewa Sitali remains detained weeks after her arrest, while the Human Rights Commission says at least 84 people are held beyond legal limits after the August 13 elections. Civil society pushback: A consortium of CSOs has distanced itself from calls for a Government of National Unity, saying such a move lacks law and facts and urging unity, reconciliation and detainee releases. Rule of law vs UN pressure: UPND officials reject a UN special rapporteur’s assessment on “political detainees,” insisting suspects are handled under law and not politics. Cabinet and governance focus: Economic Front leader Wynter Kabimba and other voices are urging President Hichilema to appoint a more action-oriented Cabinet to deliver on the Grow Zambia agenda. Religion and national tone: Tonse Alliance has condemned attacks on the Catholic Church, calling for peace and tolerance as Zambia navigates post-election tensions.

Post-Election Security in Focus: SADC’s Troika on Politics, Defence and Security is set to convene member states after receiving a preliminary report on Zambia’s post-election crisis, where allegations include vote manipulation and a military raid during the August 13 count that left former minister Mutotwe Kafwaya dead. Court Battles Continue: With the presidential challenge blocked by court closures, 67 parliamentary election petitions have been filed, including 41 at Lusaka High Court, keeping the August 13 dispute alive in courtrooms. Detention and Rights Row: UN calls for release of Mundubile and Makebi are met with pushback from UPND, while Citizens First and others demand unconditional release and accuse selective justice. Citizenship Crisis: Lusaka lawyer Celestine Mukandila says cancelling his NRC and passport while he is detained effectively makes him stateless, and he is challenging the move through habeas corpus. ECZ Proportional Seats: ECZ says only two parties qualify for proportional representation seats, based on August 18 presidential results. Farm Payments Update: Access Bank reports over K2bn paid to more than 113,000 farmers via digital payments for the FRA maize season. Health Watch: Namibia records 122 malaria deaths and 122,612 cases as it prepares large-scale indoor spraying.

Court Battles After August 13: Zambia’s post-election fight is now fully in court, with 67 parliamentary election petitions filed countrywide after the 14-day window closed, including 41 at the Lusaka High Court. Presidential Challenge Blocked: The presidential election challenge failed to reach the Constitutional Court within the deadline, as courts closed on security grounds. Detention and Due Process Row: Human rights and opposition voices are escalating pressure over the continued detention of Brian Mundubile, Makebi Zulu and others, while the Attorney-General insists there are no political prisoners and that charges are before court. Costs Awarded: Lusaka High Court ordered the State to pay costs in George Chisanga’s detention case. Proportional Seats Update: ECZ says only two parties qualify for proportional representation seats and begins the legal process after President Hichilema’s inauguration. Economy and Energy: Government plans a $1.2bn petroleum refinery at Indeni in Ndola, and says electricity generation is rising as solar expands. US Trade Boost: EXIM Bank reopens short-term credit and insurance for Zambia’s private sector as AGOA is extended to 2028. Politics and National Identity: Celestine Mukandila argues his citizenship was by descent and rejects attempts to question it; meanwhile, debate continues over nationality, rule of law and political space.

Election petitions & court battles: Lusaka High Court has received 41 parliamentary election petitions as the filing window closed, with challengers alleging irregularities, bribery and violence across several constituencies. US pressure on vote transparency: U.S. Congressman Gregory Meeks demanded Zambia release polling-station results from the August 13 elections and investigate the death of former Transport Minister Mutotwe Kafwaya. Opposition detentions under scrutiny: Zambia’s Acting Attorney General Marshal Muchende says Mundubile, Makebi Zulu and others are not political prisoners, while UN Special Rapporteur Gina Romero has urged releases amid claims of shrinking civic space. Citizenship dispute escalates: Government cancelled Celestine Mukandila’s NRC and passport, citing fraud and false declaration, as Mukandila insists his citizenship by descent was lawful. Political reconciliation debate: UPND member George Mtonga urged the party to stop petitioning independent winners and instead reconcile. Women’s representation gap: ECZ figures show women hold just 32 of 224 decided parliamentary seats so far, reigniting debate over adoption and party gatekeeping. Governance & digital systems: Cabinet Secretary Patrick Kangwa directed institutions to adopt the Smart Office Platform, with progress reporting due end of October. Economy & services: Government and investors say electricity generation is expanding, while horticulture stakeholders push for more cold-room facilities to boost exports.

Election Petitions: Lusaka High Court has received 41 parliamentary election petitions as the filing window closes, with candidates alleging irregularities, bribery, violence and vote buying. Parliament Composition & Gender Gap: ECZ figures show UPND leads with 137 of 224 declared constituency seats, NRPUP has 59 and independents/others 28; women hold just 32 of the 224 decided seats so far. Treason Case & UN Pressure: Acting Attorney General Marshal Muchende says Mundubile, Makebi Zulu and others are not political prisoners, while the UN Special Rapporteur Gina Romero continues to call for their release. Smart Government Push: Secretary to the Cabinet Patrick Kangwa directs ministries and agencies to adopt and use the Smart Office Platform, with progress reporting due by end of October. Local Accountability: Chilanga DC calls for transparency in fund utilisation after monitoring 2026 budget performance for the first half of the year. Public Infrastructure: Mpika’s Kapamba Bridge vandalism—iron bars stolen—has triggered police investigations and warnings to residents not to shield offenders. Citizenship Revocation: Government cancels Congolese national Celestin Mukandila’s Zambian NRC and passport for fraud and false declaration. Culture & Community: Bemba Royal Establishment cancels Ukusefya pa Ng’wena 2026, citing a sombre mood. International Diplomacy: World Bank and WTO messages congratulate President Hichilema’s re-election, while UNGA adopts Sierra Leone First Lady Fatima Bio’s resolution to mark an International Day against child, early and forced marriage.

Zambia’s second-term politics under pressure: President Hakainde Hichilema was sworn in for a new 2026–2031 term amid a disputed vote and continued arrests, with the opposition still challenging results and the government insisting due process is being followed. Parliamentary numbers: The ECZ published the full MP breakdown, giving UPND 137 seats (with two constituencies still to be settled at the time of reporting), while NRPUP took 59, independents 20, and smaller parties the rest. Treason case spotlight: Brian Mundubile and Makebi Zulu remain at Mukobeko as their treason case proceeds, following the Kabulonga raid that also saw the death of Mutotwe Kafwaya; the Human Rights Commission is urging police and prosecutors to charge, grant bond, or release detainees. UN row: Zambia’s government and UPND leaders rejected a UN Special Rapporteur’s concerns, arguing the UN is mischaracterising legal issues and acting from a distance, while the UN envoy is described as having engaged on the ground. Cabinet and governance push: Economic Front leader Wynter Kabimba urged Hichilema to appoint a more action-oriented cabinet to deliver campaign promises. Regional and global signals: Trump’s administration is reported to be warming to Lusaka after concerns in Washington about post-election crackdowns, and international leaders continue to congratulate Hichilema’s re-election.

Post-election justice row: Zambia’s government hit back at UN Special Rapporteur Gina Romero, saying her comments on treason and “political detainees” prejudge cases now before courts, while the Human Rights Commission warns of prolonged election-related detentions and calls for prompt due process. Treason charges and detention pressure: Opposition and civil society voices renewed calls for the release of Brian Mundubile, Makebi Zulu and others, as treason cases deepen and Lusaka Central’s parliamentary election is petitioned. Diplomatic congratulations vs local tensions: International leaders including France, Canada and others congratulated President Hakainde Hichilema’s re-election and swearing-in, even as debate continues over reconciliation and the credibility of the vote. Climate risk to the Grow Zambia agenda: Warnings of a “Super El Niño” raise fears for rainfall, floods and drought that could disrupt key production targets. Health and economy updates: Zambia reported a slight HIV decline and launched consultations on the 2027–2031 Medium-Term Revenue Strategy, while MoH reaffirmed investment in cancer treatment and oncology services. Regional energy push: Zimbabwe and Mozambique’s Beira–Feruka pipeline upgrade aims to boost fuel storage and protect SADC from supply shocks.

Second-Term Swearing-In Under Tension: President Hakainde Hichilema was sworn in for a new five-year term after a disputed August 13 vote, with his main rival Brian Mundubile facing treason charges and opposition parties alleging intimidation and vote irregularities. Courtroom Deadlines and Petition Politics: Legal experts warn the Constitutional Court’s failure to give a clear reasoned ruling on a “People’s Presidential Petition” could repeat the 2016 crisis, while more losing candidates continue filing election petitions. UN vs Zambia on “Political Detainees”: Zambia’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs rejected a UN Special Rapporteur release, saying it contains legal errors—especially claiming treason is a “capital offence”—and uses prejudicial language; UPND also urged the UN to stop calling treason suspects “political detainees.” Human Rights Pressure: The UN Special Rapporteur Gina Romero demanded release of political detainees and an end to the “criminalisation of dissent,” citing arrests, intimidation and politically linked violence. Domestic Policy Push: The Ministry of Finance launched public consultations on the 2027–2031 Medium-Term Revenue Strategy, stressing stronger domestic revenue mobilisation to avoid renewed debt distress. Health Update: Zambia recorded a slight HIV decline to about 1.308 million people living with HIV in 2025, with progress in mother-to-child transmission. Tourism and Mining Signals: Government says tourist arrivals have crossed two million in 2026, while Mines officials claim the sector is back at full capacity as production rises.

Second-Term Inauguration Under Scrutiny: President Hakainde Hichilema was sworn in for a second five-year term after the Aug 13 vote, but the start of his mandate is shadowed by election irregularities raised by observers and a crackdown that has seen opposition figures detained and charged, including treason allegations against Brian Mundubile and Makebi Zulu. Rights Pressure Mounts: A UN rights expert urged Zambia to release political detainees and restore democratic accountability, while the Anglican Church of Southern Africa called for prayers and due process for detained opposition leaders, including Bishop Trevor Mwamba. State House Pushback: State House dismissed claims the inauguration was illegal, saying there is no active presidential petition in court and urging lawful channels over incitement. International Diplomacy: China’s Xi Jinping sent a special envoy to the inauguration, with Hichilema reaffirming cooperation on TAZARA, mining, digital economy and AI; Ukraine’s Zelenskyy also congratulated HH and invited him to visit. Local Governance & Economy: Education unions welcomed second-term education priorities, while ZANAMACA urged stronger protection and funding for the informal sector. Public Safety: Police are investigating a motorist who allegedly defied a stop order during the presidential motorcade.

Second-Term Swearing-In Amid Dispute: President Hakainde Hichilema was sworn in for a second five-year term on September 1 after the Aug 13 election, but the process remains politically charged: the main rival, Brian Mundubile, is facing treason charges and opposition leaders have been detained, while State House insists there is no active presidential petition and no “crisis,” only suspected criminal acts. Rights and Civic Space: The UN special rapporteur on assembly and association urged Zambia to end the post-election crackdown and release political detainees, warning of intimidation and arrests beyond legal timeframes. Treason Case Under Scrutiny: Transparency International Zambia says the timing of Mundubile and Makebi Zulu’s arrests makes political motivation hard to dismiss, as the case heads to the High Court. Court Battles for Seats: As the window to challenge results closes, losing candidates are filing petitions across constituencies, including Milanzi and Chitambo, with calls for scrutiny and recounts. Grow Zambia Agenda: At the inauguration, HH launched the 10-10-5-3-3-1-1-1 Grow Zambia Agenda, promising jobs and growth, while partners like the EU congratulated the re-election and praised the relationship.