Zambia: Police violently disperse protesters in downtown Lusaka Dec. 23

Event

Police have opened fire on protesters near the National Prosecution Authority (NPA) offices in central Lusaka Dec. 23, killing one protester and a state prosecutor. United Party for National Development (UPND) activists gathered there in support of party leader Hakainde Hichilema, who was summoned to the Zambia Police Headquarters. The headquarters are located next to the NPA offices. Police also used teargas to disperse protesters near the High Court of Zambia.

An increased security presence is likely to remain in central Lusaka in the coming hours. Spontaneous protests in support of Hichilema could occur elsewhere in Lusaka in the coming hours. Further clashes between security forces and demonstrators are likely. Police may also seek to disperse protesters in an attempt to enforce coronavirus disease (COVID-19) movement restrictions. Ground travel disruptions are possible in the vicinity of the affected locations.

Advice

Avoid all protests and concentrations of security personnel. Plan for ground travel disruptions.