Resolution on the post-electoral repression in Zambia and the killing of Mutotwe Kafwaya

The European Parliament adopted by 562 votes to 1, with 33 abstentions, a resolution on the post-electoral repression in Zambia and the killing of Mutotwe Kafwaya.

The text adopted in plenary was tabled by the EPP, S&D, ECR, Renew, The Left and Greens/EFA groups.

As a reminder, Zambia held elections on 13 August 2026. On 14 August 2026, state security forces raided a property in Lusaka linked to opposition presidential candidate Brian Mundubile, arrested several opposition members, and fatally shot opposition member and former minister Mutotwe Kafwaya.

Parliament condemned the killing of Mutotwe Kafwaya and the increase in political repression since the elections. It urged the Zambian authorities to ensure independent and transparent investigations into all allegations of unlawful use of force, arbitrary arrest and intimidation, and, particularly, into the circumstances of the killing of Mutotwe Kafwaya, holding those responsible accountable. It underlined that security operations should be proportionate and in accordance with the rule of law.

The Zambian authorities are called on to:

- end and refrain from arbitrary arrest, detention and intimidation of opposition members and supporters, ensure that detainees are informed of the grounds for their arrest and charges and have access to legal counsel, family and medical care, bring them before independent and impartial courts without delay, and guarantee their right to a fair trial;

- uphold freedom of expression, press, media, peaceful assembly and association, and refrain from abuses of national security laws and criminal justice.

While stressing the close EU-Zambia partnership, Parliament called for the EU and its Member States to raise these violations at the highest political level, to closely monitor the human rights situation and judicial proceedings, to support Zambian civil society organisations, human rights defenders and journalists, and to follow up on the recommendations of the EU Election Observation Mission in Zambia.

Text adopted by Parliament, single reading