Akashambatwa Lewanika: Calls for Zambia Treason Detainees Release

• Prince Akashambatwa Mbikusita Lewanika has urged African Presidents to facilitate national dialogue in Zambia.
• He stated that individuals facing treason charges must be released for any meaningful dialogue to occur.
• Lewanika explicitly described these detainees as "political prisoners."
• His appeal comes from his position as Chairperson of the Council of Elders for Ethical Leadership, Democracy and Development (CEELDD).

His specific demand for the Aka Zambia treason detainees release before any meaningful national dialogue can proceed highlights a perceived lack of political goodwill or a fundamental barrier to trust-building among stakeholders.

Prince Akashambatwa Mbikusita Lewanika, a notable figure serving as the Chairperson of the Council of Elders for Ethical Leadership, Democracy and Development (CEELDD), has issued a direct appeal to various African Presidents, urging their intervention in Zambia's internal affairs. His plea specifically calls for these regional leaders to facilitate a comprehensive national dialogue within the country. This proposed dialogue is presented as a critical mechanism for addressing underlying political tensions and fostering reconciliation.

Lewanika's appeal is predicated on a crucial condition: the immediate release of individuals currently facing treason charges. He explicitly characterizes these detainees as "political prisoners," asserting that their continued incarceration poses a significant impediment to any genuine or productive national conversation. According to Lewanika, the meaningful engagement required for such a dialogue cannot commence until these individuals are set free, underscoring the perceived political nature of their detention.

Treason charges in Zambia carry severe implications, representing one of the gravest accusations under the nation's legal framework. As of September 23, 2026, individuals like Brian Mundubile and Makebi Zulu, along with 16 others, were formally charged with treason on August 29, 2026, and remained in detention without having appeared before a court on these allegations. The Law Association of Zambia (LAZ) has raised concerns about their prolonged detention without court appearance, emphasizing the constitutional right to personal liberty. The classification of individuals facing such charges as "political prisoners" by Prince Akashambatwa Mbikusita Lewanika introduces a critical distinction, suggesting that their alleged offenses may stem more from political dissent or opposition rather than overt acts against the state. This framing highlights a common tension in many political systems where legal mechanisms can be perceived as tools for suppressing political adversaries.

The call for a national dialogue, facilitated by external African leaders, underscores a belief that internal mechanisms for resolving political disputes may be insufficient or compromised. Such dialogues are often sought when there is a significant breakdown of trust between political factions or between the government and segments of the populace. The insistence on the Aka Zambia treason detainees release as a prerequisite for this dialogue suggests that their detention is viewed as a central point of contention, symbolizing broader issues of political freedom and justice within the country.

The appeal from Prince Akashambatwa Mbikusita Lewanika carries considerable weight, given his position as Chairperson of the Council of Elders for Ethical Leadership, Democracy and Development (CEELDD) and his public articulation of the need for external mediation. His specific demand for the Aka Zambia treason detainees release before any meaningful national dialogue can proceed highlights a perceived lack of political goodwill or a fundamental barrier to trust-building among stakeholders. The involvement of African Presidents, if realized, could lend significant diplomatic pressure and credibility to the dialogue process, potentially influencing the Zambian government's stance on the detainees.

For legal professionals advising clients in Zambia, particularly those involved in politically sensitive cases or facing charges like treason, this development is highly relevant. The prospect of a Zambia national dialogue appeal, especially one facilitated by prominent African leaders, could open avenues for political interventions such as amnesties or pardons for those currently detained. Such a shift could fundamentally alter the legal landscape for individuals accused of political offenses, potentially leading to a re-evaluation of existing cases or a more lenient approach to future instances of political dissent. The emphasis on freeing these individuals as a precondition for dialogue signals a potential turning point for Zambia's political and legal future.

Lawyers advising clients in Zambia, particularly those involved in political cases or facing charges like treason, should monitor the progress of calls for national dialogue. Such political interventions could potentially lead to amnesties, pardons, or changes in the legal approach to political dissent, impacting current or future cases.

Source: Based on recent reports from Zambia.