United Nations (UN) Special Rapporteur Gina Romero has expressed grave concern over what she described as a rapidly deteriorating democratic and human rights environment in Zambia, urging government authorities to immediately halt the criminalisation of political dissent.
In a official statement addressing the post-election climate, Romero highlighted systemic rights violations and electoral irregularities. Romero cited widespread intimidation, abductions, and the unlawful detention of opposition supporters without formal charges beyond statutory limits.
Crucially, Romero warned that fabricated treason charges levied against senior opposition leaders set a dangerous precedent for civic space in the country. Romero called for urgent international scrutiny following an escalation in political violence, which has resulted in the deaths of a former cabinet minister and a polling agent.
Reporting on the statement, Correspondent Thamo Kapisa detailed the growing pressure from international rights bodies as calls intensify for the Zambian government to safeguard constitutional freedoms and restore democratic integrity.
–ChannelAfrica–
