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The Human Rights Commission (HRC) has expressed deep concern over rising reports of missing persons and alleged arbitrary arrests following the August 13, 2026 General Elections.
Commission Chairperson, Dr. Pamela Sambo, said families continued to search for loved ones reportedly picked up by undisclosed persons, with their whereabouts still unknown.
In a statement issued in Lusaka on Wednesday, Sambo noted that the situation was creating fear, anxiety and a sense of insecurity among citizens.
She warned that the developments risked undermining public confidence in the rule of law in Zambia.
Sambo said the Commission was monitoring the post-election environment and reminded the State of its obligations under both domestic and international law regarding the protection of personal liberty.
“The HRC reminds the State and all law enforcement agencies of their constitutional and international obligations to respect, protect and fulfill the right to liberty and security of person as enshrined in Article 12 of the Constitution of Zambia and Article 6 of the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights,” she stated.
Sambo emphasized that all arrests should follow legal procedure, pointing to constitutional provisions that safeguard suspects against prolonged or unlawful detention.
She emphasized that every person arrested or detained should be informed promptly of the reasons for their arrest, and be brought before a court of law within 24 hours, in line with Article 18 of the Constitution.
Sambo called on the Zambia Police Service and other relevant authorities to act urgently and listed three key actions for law enforcement in the wake of the elections.
“The HRC calls upon the Zambia Police Service and other relevant authorities to: immediately account for all persons reported missing and provide regular updates to the families; ensure that all persons in detention are accorded due process, access to legal representation, and humane treatment; investigate all allegations of arbitrary arrest, abduction and enforced disappearance, and bring perpetrators to book regardless of status,” she said.
Beyond law enforcement, Sambo urged political leaders, civil society and the media to exercise restraint, noting that inflammatory language could worsen tensions during the sensitive post-election period.
She further reiterated that Zambia’s democratic system depends on the protection of fundamental rights adding that the Commission would continue to track developments and engage institutions to ensure compliance.
“Democracy is anchored on respect for human rights, transparency and accountability. The Commission will continue to monitor the human rights situation in the country and will not hesitate to engage relevant institutions to ensure compliance with human rights standards,” Sambo said.
She extended condolences to families that have lost loved ones and expressed solidarity with all citizens affected by the current situation.
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