Botswana human rights body raises alarm over Zambia post-election rights
Ditshwanelo raises alarm over Zambia post-election rights
…Botswana human rights body cites arrests, denial of court access, Kafwaya shooting and passport cancellations
By EMV REPORTER
The Botswana Centre for Human Rights, also known as Ditshwanelo, has expressed grave concern over a deterioration in the political and democratic situation in Zambia following the August 13, 2026 general elections.
In a statement issued in Gaborone on September 18, Ditshwanelo said it was increasingly alarmed by reports of restrictions on access to courts, arbitrary arrests and detention of opposition figures and Government critics, the fatal shooting of former Cabinet minister Mutotwe Kafwaya and the cancellation of passports belonging to several Zambian citizens.
“These developments raise serious questions concerning access to justice and to legal representation, due process, freedom of movement and the protection of fundamental rights,” Ditshwanelo said.
The organisation said the passport cancellations reported to date involved former ambassador Emmanuel Mwamba, Dr Sishuwa Sishuwa, former members of Parliament Binwell Mpundu and Emmanuel Jay Banda, former State House special assistant Kaizer Zulu and blogger Lillian Mutambo.
Ditshwanelo also raised concerns over access to the courts, citing reports that Zambian courts, including the Constitutional Court and High Court, were closed and access restricted on August 24, 2026, the day that coincided with the deadline for filing challenges to the presidential election results.
It said Human Rights Watch had reported that the closure effectively prevented the filing of legal challenges during the constitutionally prescribed period.
The Botswana-based human rights organisation said all persons arrested or detained should be treated with dignity and in accordance with domestic law as well as regional and international human rights obligations.
Ditshwanelo said arrests and detentions should be lawful, detainees should have access to legal representation and every person facing criminal proceedings should be afforded due process and a fair hearing before an independent and impartial tribunal.
The organisation said it stood in solidarity with civil society organisations, human rights defenders and citizens in Zambia working to protect democratic values, human rights and the rule of law.
“Freedom of expression, peaceful assembly and association are essential components of democratic participation and must be protected for all persons, regardless of their political affiliation or views,” it said.
Ditshwanelo called on the Zambian Government and all political actors to uphold the rule of law and ensure that State institutions operated within their constitutional and legal mandates.
It further called for courts to remain accessible and independent and able to effectively consider electoral, constitutional and human rights matters without undue interference.
The organisation also urged authorities to respect due process and fair trial guarantees and ensure that all arrests, detentions and prosecutions were lawful and consistent with Zambia’s domestic and international human rights obligations
It called for the protection of freedom of expression, association and peaceful assembly, including the rights of opposition political parties, journalists, civil society organisations, human rights defenders and ordinary citizens to participate in public affairs without intimidation, retaliation or discrimination.
Ditshwanelo also urged authorities to ensure that restrictions on freedom of movement were lawful, necessary and proportionate.
The organisation called on the Southern African Development Community (SADC) to support inclusive and constructive political dialogue involving the Government, political parties, civil society organisations, faith-based organisations and other relevant stakeholders.
It also urged SADC to address political tensions, strengthen public confidence in democratic institutions and promote respect for human rights and the rule of law.
Ditshwanelo also called on the Botswana Government to monitor the post-election environment and civic space for human rights defenders, including journalists, lawyers and civil society organisations.
It urged Botswana to encourage the Zambian authorities to ensure that civic and political participation was not subjected to intimidation or retaliation and to uphold human rights principles and guarantee unfettered access to judicial processes.
“Respect for human rights, constitutional governance, independent institutions and the rule of law are fundamental to peace, stability and sustainable development in our SADC region,” Ditshwanelo said.