MABUMBA ROYAL ESTABLISHMENT CALLS FOR AN IMMEDIATE ENDTO ABDUCTIONS, ENFORCED DISAPPERANCES AND FOR THE RELEASEFROM PROLONGED DETENTION OF ARRESTED ARTISTS

The Mabumba Royal Establishment of the Ushi people, based in Mansa District of Luapula Province, has issued a stern and urgent call to the Zambian government to immediately halt a rising wave of alleged abductions, enforced disappearances, and prolonged extra-judicial detentions. In a strongly worded statement released on the eve of the general elections, the traditional leadership expressed deep sorrow and alarm over the targeting of citizens and prominent cultural figures who were simply exercising their constitutional right to political association and campaign participation. The traditional body highlighted disturbing accounts of unarmed civilians, including women, being picked up by state authorities in manners reminiscent of dangerous criminals. Furthermore, the royal establishment drew attention to the plight of several well-known artists and public figures, such as prominent musician Moses Ng'andwe, popularly known as Chester, alongside comedian Winston Ngosa and Felix Ndangeni Inshila. These individuals have reportedly faced prolonged detentions in Western Province districts under charges of conduct likely to cause a breach of the peace during campaign periods, without being granted swift recourse or release. Emphasizing the foundational values of peace and democracy that Zambia has historically championed, the Mabumba Royal Establishment appealed directly to law enforcement agencies and the central government to respect civil liberties. Traditional leaders stressed that any electoral environment overshadowed by fear, intimidation, and the arbitrary detention of dissenting voices risks undermining the democratic legitimacy of the poll. They urged authorities to ensure that law enforcement strictly adheres to constitutional boundaries rather than acting as an instrument of political suppression. As the nation approaches a critical juncture at the ballot box, the royal body also addressed the wider citizenry, imploring all voters to exercise restraint, mai