Zambia: Parliament ratifies 90-day state of emergency July 11

Event

On Tuesday, July 11, the Zambian parliament approved a 90-day state of emergency, as previously decreed by President Edgar Lungu on July 5. The decision to implement a state of emergency was prompted by what the government claims was a politically-motivated fire that destroyed a large part of Lusaka’s City Market on July 4. Opposition lawmakers reportedly boycotted the vote, seen as an effort by the president to tighten his grip on power. Last week the government reportedly gave the police increased powers of arrest and detention, alleging that opposition parties were behind a string of arson attacks intended to “create terror and panic."

On Wednesday, July 12, the president’s spokesman announced that emergency decree could be lifted before it is set to expire in October if “acts of sabotage” cease.

Context

The country’s last state of emergency was declared in 1997 after an attempted coup d’état. It was lifted in 1998.

The announcement comes amid increasing political tensions in Zambia after a magistrate ruled on June 9 that opposition leader Hakainde "HH" Hichilema, head of the United Party for National Development (UPND), should be tried in a high court on charges of treason following his arrest on April 11.

Hichilema was initially arrested on April 11 on charges of treason after his motorcade allegedly refused to allow President Edgar Lungu's convoy to pass on a roadway between Limulunga and Mongu while traveling to a ceremony. This charge was reduced to disobeying instructions from a police officer. Hichilema, who was already out on bail for an October 2016 arrest, was later arrested near Lusaka after police raided his home.

Hichilema has continued to protest against the re-election of President Lungu following the vote on August 15, 2016. The UPND petitioned the Constitutional Court to annul the election results, but the appeal was rejected on September 5. Zambian police arrested 133 people across the country for taking part in demonstrations against Lungu in the months after the August election.

Advice

Individuals present in the area are advised to avoid all public gatherings, political events, and political party offices as violence may flare up without warning. Localized transportation disruptions are likely in the event of protests. Monitor developments to the situation, adhere to instructions issued by local authorities, and carry appropriate identification at all times.