The Tonse Alliance has condemned the blocking of its president Brian Mundubile from boarding an international flight, describing the incident as an abuse of state authority and a violation of constitutional rights.
In a press statement issued by George Chisanga MP, the alliance states that the action raises serious concerns about freedom of movement and the state of democratic governance in Zambia ahead of the 2026 elections. The development places the incident at the centre of growing political tension, with the alliance framing it as a direct restriction on a senior opposition figure.
The statement says the decision to prevent Mundubile from travelling was unjustified and demands an immediate explanation from authorities responsible for the action. It also calls for the unconditional restoration of his right to travel and accountability for officials involved.
Freedom of movement is recognised under Zambia’s legal framework, and the alliance argues that any limitation must be grounded in law. It maintains that the blocking of Mundubile does not meet that threshold and instead reflects misuse of state systems.
The incident is presented as part of a wider political environment in which opposition figures are facing increased pressure ahead of national elections. The alliance links the development to what it describes as a pattern affecting political actors outside government.
“The arbitrary restriction of this right particularly against a leading opposition figure—is not only unlawful, but also a direct attack on democracy itself,” the statement reads.
Tonse Alliance further states that the development undermines confidence in democratic processes and may have implications for political stability. It warns that actions targeting opposition leadership risk heightening tensions in an already charged electoral environment.
The statement references international attention on Zambia’s governance climate, citing concerns raised in external reports regarding democratic space. It argues that incidents such as this reinforce those concerns and warrant scrutiny.
Mundubile’s reaction, as conveyed in the statement, reflects strong dissatisfaction, with the alliance describing him as shocked by the situation and its broader implications for governance.
The alliance is calling on citizens, civil society organisations, religious institutions, and international stakeholders to take note of the development and support efforts aimed at protecting constitutional freedoms.
It maintains that Zambia’s democratic framework must be upheld through adherence to the rule of law and equal application of rights, regardless of political affiliation.
Full Statement Below.
PRESS STATEMENT
For Immediate Release
Condemnation of the Blocking of Brian Mundubile from International Travel
The Tonse Alliance expresses its strongest condemnation of the deeply troubling and unjustified action taken today to block its President, Brian Mundubile, from boarding a scheduled international flight.
This incident represents a dangerous escalation in the abuse of state institutions and raises serious concerns about the erosion of constitutional freedoms in Zambia.
The freedom of movement is a fundamental right guaranteed to every citizen under the laws of our Republic. The arbitrary restriction of this right—particularly against a leading opposition figure—is not only unlawful, but also a direct attack on democracy itself.
We therefore demand:
An immediate and full explanation from relevant authorities regarding the legal basis of this action. The unconditional restoration of Hon. Mundubile’s right to travel freely.
Accountability for all officials involved in this abuse of power.
This incident cannot be viewed in isolation. It forms part of a broader and worrying pattern of intimidation and suppression directed at opposition leaders ahead of the upcoming elections.
Such actions undermine the credibility of our democratic processes and elections and threaten national stability.
Let us be clear: Zambia does not belong to any political party or administration—it belongs to its people.
The Tonse Alliance will not be intimidated. We will continue to stand firm in defending democracy, the rule of law, and the rights of all citizens.
President Mundubile is totally flabbergasted at what the country has become under the UPND where the have taken Zambia back to the stone age!
Recently, the US State Department, UN Human Rights Watch charged that Zambia’s democratic space had drastically.
We call upon the people of Zambia, civil society, the church, and the international community to take note of this development and to stand in defense of constitutional order.
Issued by:
GEORGE CHISANGA MP
PRESIDENTIAL SPOKESPERSON
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LT……..
What kind of shallow reporting is this. ????
Where is the response from GRZ ? Did you as journalists even attempt to get the reasoning from GRZ ???
I condem this kind of behaviour in the strongest terms,……….
I condemned PF when they done this to opposition, so I stand by my principles, an abuse of authority is an abuse
FWD2031
Are you serious? What exactly has LT done wrong here? This is breaking news. The information being reported is based on a statement released by Brian Mundubile’s team. LT is simply doing its job by reporting what is available at the moment.
As developments unfold, more details will come through. Right now, Mundubile is reportedly at an undisclosed police station where he is being questioned and giving a statement.
HH back to childish behavior. Who is Mundubile to mess all good international reputation you have built.
Hamweendo
This is the era of Mobil phones , not fax machines………..
Information is instant, even effort can be immediate……
Unless you say LT has no reporters and rely on people reporting their cases to publish………
FWD2031
I thought when governments change some things must change also.
Tyrants dont change when in power. In opposition yes. UPND has systematically destroyed our democracy using our laws and sycophants strategically placed in our institutions.
First, It bans Mundubile and opposition colleagues from holding rallies, and when he wants to get out for some fresh air he is told you can’t move.
They did the same to Lungu. UPND are just s#*tscared of their own shadows they have to keep an eye on rivals.
Post cut by LT
Where were these Tonse Alliance hypocrites when Michael Sata’s PF regime was preventing Rupiah Banda from travelling abroad too?
Mscheeew ,i spit.
Why is LT censoring posts? Is Hamasaka in charge of our posts here?
Vikali kuni censor vi LT. I will defect to Mwebantu or the UPNDs watchdog
Completely bias and unbalance reporting,
This news provider (LT) has not sough to find out why he has be stopped but just goes along with reporting the propaganda emanating from Mundubile’s friends and treats it as truth.
LT is becoming more pathetic by the day.
I agree with you But then so is this GRZ by the way becoming pathetic
Did you notice what time the whole thing happened, even if one made frantic efforts you can’t get anything from the police, and if the Government is involved, think twice, don’t kill LT its all we have
My Question to all you commenting, what do you want LT to publish? If that’s all the information they had, you wanted them to tell lies? As far as I am concerned, LT is the best platform for balanced news. For those of you with censored posts, you probably are using bad language or tone so be mindful and straight. Let’s encourage our journalists, you don’t even pay them to keep them going> they give free news, take it or leave it
I’ve Hamweendo what is free news? There’s no publication that gives free news. You should examine their business model. You always pay for it somehow otherwise they wouldn’t survive!
Elyo, learn some journalism. It’s unprofessional(and illegal) to publish an accusation without allowing the accused to respond. In this case Spaka may have been in a hurry to lambast LT because they may be seeking a response even as they break this story. If they don’t publish that response within a specified time then Spaka will have a case.
Itizi tulu ba Hamweendo. People think DeadNBC news is free but they forget they pay licences and tax to the owner(the state). DeadNBC then goes to the advertiser and charges him for selling anything to you, its audience. Free news? Perhaps in North Korea.
Excessive freedom in Zambia provides sufficient motivation for criminals to begin reorganizing. The Boma must ensure that they address these individuals decisively and with equal rigor. HH has introduced an abundance of freedom which is being abused