By Fanuel James
The European Parliament has condemned the killing of Zambian opposition member Mutotwe Kafwaya and warned of post-election repression in Zambia in an adopted resolution.
The resolution, adopted on September 17, said it “condemns the killing of Mutotwe Kafwaya and the increase in political repression since the elections.”
The resolution was adopted less than a month after Zambia held general elections on August 13.
Trail of Blood
According to the EU on 14 August state security forces raided a property in Lusaka linked to opposition presidential candidate Brian Mundubile.
They arrested several opposition members and “fatally shot” Kafwaya.
Parliament said Mundubile and his running mate Makebi Zulu were later detained and, with 16 others, charged with treason.
Suspects charged with treason cannot be released on bail and, if convicted, face 20 years to life.
Lawyers for the victims have since claimed difficulties in accessing them in prison.
Condemnation
The EU Parliament also raised concerns over access to justice.
It said that “on the last day for filing election petitions, the Zambian authorities closed court premises, thereby restricting access to justice.”
The resolution states that at least 84 people have been detained without formal charges since the elections.
Passports of seven opposition figures and government critics have also been revoked.
The EU has urged Zambian authorities to ensure “independent and transparent investigations into all allegations of unlawful use of force, arbitrary arrest and intimidation”.
The Irony of Hichilema’s Position
The European Parliament resolution places President Hichilema in a position of striking irony.
In 2017, the same Parliament passed a resolution defending him when he was arrested and detained as an opposition leader.
It called on the Zambian authorities to respect his rights, guarantee due process, and protect freedom of expression and assembly.
Nine years later, Parliament has passed another resolution on Zambia.
This time it is not defending Hichilema, but questioning his government over the killing of Kafwaya and the detention of opposition figures.
The politician who once needed international protection for his rights as an opposition leader is now the president being urged by the same institution to end arbitrary arrests and respect due process.
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