from ARNOLD MULENGA in Lusaka, Zambia
Zambia Bureau
LUSAKA, (CAJ News) – ZAMBIA’S democratic credentials face their sternest international test yet as the government pushes back against a scathing European Parliament resolution, setting the stage for a high-stakes diplomatic showdown over post-election human rights, arbitrary detentions and the rule of law.
After an ongoing fallout with the United Nations (UN) and the Commonwealth, the Southern African country is again in the international spotlight amid tensions with Europe.
A fierce diplomatic standoff has erupted between Lusaka and Brussels as the European Parliament moves to penalise Zambia over post-election human rights abuses, prompting the Zambian government to again fiercely defend its national sovereignty and accuse international monitors of acting on premature, unverified claims.
On Thursday, the European Parliament adopted a strong diplomatic and political resolution addressing post-election repression and human rights concerns.
Members of the European Parliament (MEPs) called on the Zambian authorities to establish independent and impartial investigations into the August 2026 murder of opposition figure and former government minister, Mutotwe Kafwaya, as well as into all allegations of illegal use of force, arbitrary arrests and intimidation in the country.
Parliament denounced the alleged misuse of Zambia’s national security laws and criminal justice system and recalled that security operations must be proportionate and in line with the rule of law.
MEPs said the country’s authorities must guarantee freedom of expression, freedom of the press and freedom of assembly and association.
Every detainee must be informed of the reasons for his or her arrest and the charges against him or her, have access to a lawyer and a fair trial, according to MEPs.
The resolution referred to the partnership between the EU and Zambia, including through the Global Gateway strategy and the agreements on raw materials, with MEPs asking the EU and its member states to raise these violations “at the highest political level”, to closely monitor the situation and judicial proceedings, and to support civil society organisations, human rights defenders and journalists.
Members of the European Parliament (MEPs) voted overwhelmingly, 562 in favour, one against and 33 abstentions, to adopt the resolution titled, “Post-electoral repression in Zambia and the killing of Mutotwe Kafwaya.”
A former minister, he was killed during an operation by state security forces following allegations the opposition was planning an insurrection during the August 13 elections.
MEPs have demanded an independent, impartial inquiry into Kafwaya’s death, transparent legal proceedings with fair access to counsel for detainees, including losing presidential candidate Brian Mundubile and his deputy Makebi Zulu, as well as respect for freedom of speech, press and assembly.
This past weekend, the government of President Hakainde Hichilema dismissed the resolution as premature and poorly informed.
Mulambo Haimbe, Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, argued the resolution was adopted under the urgency procedure pursuant to the rules of the European Parliament’s Rules of Procedure, without prior engagement with the government of Zambia and before publication of the final report of the European Union Election Observation Mission.
“The Government considers that serious determinations concerning a sovereign state should be based on verified facts and informed by engagement with the concerned Government,” he stated.
Haimbe said the process leading to the adoption of the resolution did not sufficiently meet the standards of mutual respect, consultation and partnership expected in relations between sovereign states.
On the death of Kafwaya, the government expressed “regret” and noted active police investigations, with oversight from the Human Rights Commission, and offered the family participation via an independent pathologist.
Haimbe defended Zambia’s independent judiciary, denying allegations of arbitrary detentions and emphasising that all arrests adhere to legal safeguards, due process and constitutional limits.
He said the government maintained that law enforcement follows principles of necessity and proportionality, deeming premature characterisations of murder or premature adoption of the resolution unhelpful while legal processes are ongoing.
Despite diplomatic friction, the minister affirmed Zambia’s commitment to democratic institutions, the rule of law and its broader trade, investment and development partnership with the EU.
Haimbe is representing Hichilema at the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly, where he is leading a Zambian delegation. Among the priorities of the delegation is to promote its candidature for election to the Human Rights Council (HRC).
Brian Polombwe, a political analyst, commented, “The convergence of sharp rebukes from multilateral institutions like the UN, the Commonwealth, and now the European Parliament marks a critical juncture for Zambia’s international standing.”
“Zambia’s democratic standing is under its heaviest strain in years.”
The analyst said while both sides were still calling for dialogue rather than total diplomatic rupture, the country was at a crossroads.
“Zambia is undoubtedly experiencing a significant reputational test, though whether it has permanently lost its democratic standing depends on how the current crises are managed,” Polombwe said.
James Katumwa, a commentator, said, “Zambia can do better than just being arrogant to the international community because we are in dire need of aid that supplements our national budget at all costs. Whatever happened in our country after elections has affected a lot of people and has tarnished the image of our nation.”
– CAJ News