This decision raises increasing concern about the country’s government treatment of political opponents.
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B. Mundubile, who came second to President Hakainde Hichilema in the August 13 elections, was detained on Thursday after hiding for more than two weeks.
Police officers accuse him of threatening national security. This happened after security forces raided his home the day after the vote and claimed to have found rifles and other military equipment.
“I can confirm that B. Mundubile and Makebi Zulu have been officially charged (…) with the crime of treason,” lawyer Kambwa Aongola told AFP news agency.
According to K. Aongola, charges were filed against them on Saturday, and both men remain detained at Lusaka central police station.
M. Zulu, B. Mundubile’s associate, is a former legislator and a press representative for the late former President Edgar Lungu’s family.
Both politicians deny the charges against them and reject claims of an armed uprising as fabricated.
It is not yet clear when they will stand trial to plead guilty.
H. Hichilema is expected to begin his second term on Tuesday when he will be officially sworn in.
Human rights groups warn that recent arrests of opposition representatives risk further restricting political space in Zambia.
H. Hichilema’s first term was also marked by concerns over political freedoms. Opposition parties and civil society representatives have repeatedly accused his government of suppressing dissenting opinions, but the authorities deny these allegations.
