MMD Threatens to Report IG to ICC and ICJ Over Political Violence and Police Brutality

by Pauline Ngozoh

The Movement for Multi-Party Democracy (MMD) has expressed deep concern over what it describes as a deteriorating democratic environment under the current administration. The party alleges a systematic pattern of police brutality, intimidation, and political violence targeting opposition leaders by the Zambia Police Service.

The MMD has issued a final warning to Inspector General of Police, Mr. Graphel Musamba. The party stated that if the alleged weaponization of the police against the opposition does not stop immediately, it will, together with other progressive democratic forces, report him to the International Criminal Court (ICC) and the International Court of Justice (ICJ) for human rights abuses and state-sponsored violence against peaceful citizens.

The MMD cited incidents in Western Province where it said UPND cadres attacked the convoy of Tonse/NRPUP Presidential Candidate, Hon. Brian Mundubile, in full view of police. The party further alleged that police disrupted duly notified rallies in Mongu and Kalabo and fired teargas indiscriminately. The MMD described it as a breakdown of the rule of law that teargas was fired in the presence of Hon. Mundubile and senior citizen Prince Akashambatwa Mbikusita-Lewanika, Co-founder of the MMD and member of the Lozi Royal Family.

The party also referenced an incident in Chingola, Copperbelt Province, where police allegedly blocked Citizens First Presidential Candidate, Hon. Harry Kalaba, from campaigning despite him following the official campaign calendar issued by the Electoral Commission of Zambia (ECZ). The MMD argued that the ECZ calendar is legally binding and that blocking opposition candidates creates an uneven playing field and undermines the credibility of the election.

The MMD emphasized that politically motivated violence and regional division have no place in Zambia, noting the unity of citizens across regions through intermarriage and shared heritage.

The party is demanding:

1.⁠ ⁠The Inspector General of Police to immediately direct all commanding officers to respect the ECZ electoral calendar and allow all opposition candidates to campaign freely without intimidation.

2.⁠ ⁠The immediate arrest and prosecution of those responsible for violence in Western Province.

3.⁠ ⁠The Electoral Commission of Zambia to publicly condemn police interference with its official campaign schedule.

The MMD reminded the Inspector General that he bears command responsibility for the actions of his officers, and that international law provides for the prosecution of individuals who use state machinery to suppress political opponents. The party stated that the ICC and ICJ exist to hold such individuals accountable when domestic institutions are compromised.

The MMD has called on Zambians to remain resolute, stating that teargas, violence, or police blockades will not silence calls for change. The party expressed solidarity with all opposition leaders currently facing persecution.