Human Rights Watch (HRW) has urged the Zambian government to stop a post‑election crackdown that has seen a number of opposition figures arrested and disappear since President Hakainde Hichilema claimed victory in August.
The watchdog said the arrests and disappearances are part of a broader campaign to silence dissent following the presidential election. HRW called on Zambia to immediately halt the crackdown and to ensure that all detained opposition members are released and given fair treatment.
Hichilema, who won the August election, has faced criticism from opposition parties and civil society groups over the handling of protests and the treatment of political opponents. HRW’s statement highlights the growing concern over the erosion of democratic freedoms in the country.
HRW also urged the Zambian authorities to investigate the circumstances surrounding the disappearances and to provide clear information to the families of those detained. The organization stressed that such actions undermine the rule of law and the country’s international commitments to human rights.
Zambia, a southern African nation with a population of around 18 million, has been praised for its democratic progress in recent years. However, the current situation has raised alarms among human rights observers and the international community.
<small>Source: Al Jazeera — read the original story there.</small>
