UPND Alliance Deputy Spokesperson Challenges UN Rapporteur’s Assessment of Zambia

Lusaka, Zambia — UPND Alliance Deputy Spokesperson Edmond Mbanga Miti Jr. has criticised a recent assessment by United Nations Special Rapporteur on the rights to freedom of peaceful assembly and association, Gina Romero, describing it as one-sided and unfounded. In a statement, Miti Jr. argued that the Special Rapporteur’s assessment contained what he described as […]

Lusaka, Zambia — UPND Alliance Deputy Spokesperson Edmond Mbanga Miti Jr. has criticised a recent assessment by United Nations Special Rapporteur on the rights to freedom of peaceful assembly and association, Gina Romero, describing it as one-sided and unfounded.

In a statement, Miti Jr. argued that the Special Rapporteur’s assessment contained what he described as legal and factual inaccuracies and failed to adequately consider the position of Zambian authorities.

He particularly challenged the reference to treason as a capital offence, arguing that Zambia abolished the death penalty in 2022, removed it from military law in 2023 and acceded to the Second Optional Protocol to the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights in 2025.

Miti Jr. further defended the government’s handling of ongoing national security and criminal investigations, saying that opposition leaders and political figures are not above the law. He stressed that allegations involving treason and national security should be determined through Zambia’s independent courts, where suspects are entitled to due process and the presumption of innocence.

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He also contrasted the Special Rapporteur’s approach with that of the UN Secretary-General’s Special Envoy, who he said engaged directly on the ground in Zambia and facilitated the handover of opposition leaders to security agencies after receiving assurances that their fundamental rights would be respected.

The UPND Alliance official called on the United Nations and the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights to ensure that future assessments meet standards of fairness, including correcting what he described as factual and legal errors in the Special Rapporteur’s statement.

He further urged international bodies to respect Zambia’s judicial processes and engage constructively with national authorities and regional institutions.

Miti Jr. said Zambia remains a constitutional democracy that is open to fair scrutiny while maintaining respect for national sovereignty.
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