08/23/2026
PRESS STATEMENT
For Immediate Release
UPND CALLS ON COMMONWEALTH AND EU NOT TO ISSUE STATEMENTS THAT COULD BE SEEN AS ENDORSING INSURGENCY OR TERRORISM
LUSAKA, August 23, 2026 — The United Party for National Development (UPND) has taken note of the statement issued by Commonwealth Secretary-General, the Hon. Shirley Botchwey, concerning the post-election situation in Zambia.
While the UPND respects the Commonwealth and the European Union’s commitment to democracy, human rights and the rule of law, we urge these institutions to apply consistent standards in addressing security threats, including insurgency, terrorism and the militarisation of political organisations. The same measures applied to such threats in other parts of the world must equally apply to Zambia.
The Commonwealth and EU should be equally concerned by reports of the alleged militarisation of an opposition political parties and activities that may constitute threats to national security. Zambia is a signatory to international instruments against terrorism, and no political affiliation should provide protection from scrutiny where credible allegations of organised violence or the use of military weapons arise.
We therefore ask: What would the response be if a ruling political party in another Commonwealth country established or supported a militarised group? The same standards must apply to all political actors. There must be no double standards when dealing with matters of national security, insurgency, and terrorism.
Zambia has worked hard to maintain its reputation as a beacon of peace and stability. We cannot allow politically motivated militarisation, fi****ms or military-style training to take root in our democracy.
International organisations should therefore be careful not to issue statements that could inadvertently be interpreted as legitimising or overlooking insurgency, terrorism or organised violence.
The UPND believes that protecting fundamental rights must go hand in hand with protecting citizens and national security. Political parties must be demilitarised, and any allegations involving terrorism, terrorist financing, organised violence or the unlawful possession of military weapons must be investigated through established legal processes.
We support calls for due process, transparent investigations and respect for fundamental rights. However, these principles must apply to all parties and all alleged violations, regardless of political affiliation. Accountability and human rights are not competing principles; both are essential to a functional democracy.
Zambia is a sovereign state with functioning constitutional institutions mandated to protect its citizens and maintain national security. Law enforcement agencies have a duty to investigate suspected crimes, while the courts have the responsibility to determine guilt or innocence. Holding alleged lawbreakers accountable through due process does not undermine democracy or sovereignty.
The UPND therefore calls on the Commonwealth, the European Union and other international partners to support Zambia’s democratic institutions while respecting the country’s sovereignty and applying consistent standards in the fight against terrorism and insurgency. Our position is simple, protect fundamental rights, uphold due process, investigate alleged crimes transparently and hold those responsible accountable, regardless of political affiliation.
Issued by:
Mark Simuuwe
Media Director
United Party for National Development (UPND)
