Statement on the Political Situation in Zambia

Statement on the Political Situation in Zambia

5 October 2026

The African Democratic Alliance for Freedom and Progress (ADAFP) remains deeply concerned about the continuing political tensions in Zambia and calls for renewed and substantive dialogue between the Government and the political opposition in order to reduce tensions, restore confidence and safeguard political rights and democratic freedoms.
ADAFP President, Dr. Mmusi Maimane, has been engaged in efforts to contribute to a peaceful resolution of the political situation through virtual platforms and direct political dialogue with representatives of the Government and the opposition. These engagements have sought to encourage a peaceful political process, reduce confrontation and ensure that the opposition retains its legitimate and necessary place in Zambia's political life.
The Alliance welcomes the release of Archbishop Alick Banda as a positive development. At the same time, ADAFP notes with concern that his release has been accompanied by restrictions, including the withholding of his passport. More importantly, the release of individual activists or political figures cannot be equated with the release of the full leadership of the political opposition. Opposition presidential candidate Brian Mundubile and his running mate Makebi Zulu remain in custody, while other opposition figures continue to face detention or restrictions.
ADAFP recognises that the release of some individuals is a positive step, but stresses that partial or marginal measures cannot substitute for comprehensive political engagement and the restoration of political freedoms. The continuing detention of opposition leaders and restrictions imposed on political actors make it difficult to consider the political dialogue complete or to regard the broader political crisis as resolved.
The Alliance further notes that the opposition has accepted the election results and expressed its readiness to move forward peacefully and prepare for the next elections. This is an important basis upon which the Government and opposition can rebuild confidence and establish a constructive political relationship. Political competition should not be treated as a threat to national stability; rather, legitimate political opposition is an essential component of a democratic society.
ADAFP therefore calls upon the Government of Zambia to resume and deepen its engagement with the political opposition, including its full leadership, and to take concrete measures to guarantee political freedoms and peaceful political participation. This should include the release of opposition leaders who remain detained, the removal of unjustified restrictions on political actors, and guarantees for the freedom of political parties to organise, communicate, assemble and prepare for future elections.
The Alliance believes that Zambia's political differences can and should be resolved through dialogue, constitutional institutions and democratic competition, rather than through detention, restrictions or political exclusion. The country needs a political environment in which both government and opposition can operate freely and peacefully and in which citizens can make their political choices without fear or intimidation.
ADAFP recalls that its President, Dr. Mmusi Maimane, has previously engaged in efforts to support political dialogue and the release of opposition leader Hakainde Hichilema, who was detained in 2017. The Alliance's current engagement is therefore consistent with its longstanding commitment to peaceful political dialogue, democratic pluralism and the protection of political rights in Africa.
ADAFP renews its call upon SADC and the African Union to take a strong and principled interest in the protection of political rights, democratic pluralism and the rule of law in Zambia. The Alliance also calls upon the Commonwealth and relevant United Nations human rights mechanisms to remain engaged and to support efforts aimed at protecting political freedoms and democratic participation.
ADAFP remains ready to support further dialogue among Zambia's political stakeholders and encourages the Government and opposition to seize the present opportunity to move beyond confrontation and build a peaceful, inclusive and democratic political environment in preparation for the country's next electoral cycle.

Executive Committee


African Democratic Alliance for Freedom and Progress (ADAFP)