Kazembe Royal Establishment demands immediate release of party leader, Chungu

The Kazembe Lunda Royal Establishment has called for the immediate and unconditional release of Xavier Chungu, former Director General of the Zambia Security Intelligence Service and Liberal Democrats leader. Chungu, described as a distinguished son of the Luba-Lunda Chiefdom, faces criminal allegations under the Penal Code, the State Security Act, and the Zambia Security Intelligence Act, but remains innocent until proven guilty under the Zambian law. In a press statement issued on Saturday, the Royal Establishment said it had noted with grave concern Chungu’s continued detention since his arrest on May 28, 2026.

“This sequence of events creates the unmistakable impression that the grant of bail by the High Court was effectively frustrated, thereby undermining both the spirit and effect of the court’s order and raising legitimate questions regarding adherence to the rule of law and respect for judicial authority,” the statement read. According to the statement, immediately after bond formalities were completed and Chungu was released, he was served with two additional charges, re-arrested and returned to police custody. “As of 6 June 2026, Chungu had remained in detention at Kabwata Police Station for ten consecutive days,” the Royal Establishment stated.

The institution described the situation as a serious and unacceptable affront to the rule of law that strikes at constitutional governance, judicial independence and the credibility of democratic institutions. “This situation is a serious and unacceptable affront to the rule of law. It is not just about one individual.

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It strikes at the heart of constitutional governance, judicial independence, and the credibility of our democratic institutions,” the statement said. The Royal Establishment referenced the Constitution of Zambia as the supreme law that binds all persons and State organs, and cited Article 13(3) on personal liberty and Article 18(2) on presumption of innocence. It argued that the continued detention of Chungu despite a valid High Court order raises profound constitutional concerns and jeopardizes the foundations of constitutional democracy.

“If those enforcing the law disregard court orders, the foundations of constitutional democracy are in jeopardy. No institution, however powerful, is above the law. No citizen should be deprived of liberty in defiance of a court order,” the statement said.

The Establishment recalled commitments made by the United Party for National Development in its 2021–2026 Manifesto and by President Hakainde Hichilema during his inauguration on 24 August 2021 to ensure respect for the rule of law and human rights. It also linked the issue to Zambia’s February 2026 launch of its candidature for membership to the United Nations Human Rights Council for the 2027–2029 term, noting that respect for judicial decisions and personal liberty are fundamental standards for such membership.

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