The Kazembe Lunda Royal Establishment has issued a strong call for the immediate and unconditional release of Mr. Xavier Franklin Chungu, the former Director General of the Zambia Security Intelligence Service and a prominent leader of the Liberal Democrats. Mr. Chungu, who is also a presidential candidate for the Liberal Democrats Party in the forthcoming 13 August 2026 General Elections and a distinguished son of the Luba-Lunda Chiefdom, was arrested on May 28, 2026. He faces criminal allegations under the Penal Code, the State Security Act, and the Zambia Security Intelligence Act. However, under the Constitution and laws of Zambia, he remains innocent until proven guilty by a court of competent jurisdiction.

The Royal Establishment noted with grave concern Mr. Chungu’s continued detention since his arrest. Although the High Court duly granted him bail on June 4, 2026, the Zambia Police Service continued to detain him until June 5, 2026. This prolonged processing of bond formalities and the conduct of police officers during this period have raised significant concerns regarding the efficiency, propriety, and good faith with which the court’s directive was implemented. More disturbingly, immediately upon the completion of the bond process and Mr. Chungu’s release, he was served with two additional charges, promptly re-arrested, and returned to police custody. As of June 6, 2026, Mr. Chungu had remained in detention at Kabwata Police Station for ten consecutive days, creating an unmistakable impression that the High Court's grant of bail was effectively frustrated, thereby undermining both the spirit and effect of the court’s order and raising legitimate questions about adherence to the rule of law and respect for judicial authority.

The Royal Establishment unequivocally described this situation as a serious and unacceptable affront to the rule of law, stressing that it extends beyond the individual case to strike at the heart of constitutional governance, judicial independence, and the credibility of democratic institutions. It underscored that the Constitution of Zambia is the supreme law, binding all persons, State organs, and institutions, and that any contravening act or omission is illegal. Citing constitutional protections, particularly Article 13(3) on personal liberty and Article 18(2) on the presumption of innocence, the Establishment argued that Mr. Chungu’s continued detention despite a valid High Court order raises profound constitutional concerns. It warned that if law enforcement agencies disregard court orders, the very foundations of constitutional democracy are jeopardized, asserting that no institution, however powerful, is above the law, and no citizen should be deprived of liberty in defiance of a court order.

Furthermore, the Kazembe Lunda Royal Establishment recalled the commitments made by the United Party for National Development (UPND) in its 2021-2026 Manifesto to ensure strict adherence to the rule of law, end selective application of the law, and respect court judgments. They also highlighted President Hakainde Hichilema’s solemn pledge during his inauguration on August 24, 2021, to ensure respect for fundamental human rights and freedoms and to restore the rule of law. The Establishment emphasized that such pronouncements must be reflected in the conduct of State institutions. The continued detention is also particularly troubling given Zambia’s recent launch, in February 2026, of its candidature for membership to the United Nations Human Rights Council for the 2027-2029 term. Nations seeking election to the Human Rights Council are expected to uphold the highest standards in human rights promotion and protection, with respect for judicial decisions, due process, personal liberty, and the rule of law being among the most fundamental of these standards.

In conclusion, the Kazembe Lunda Royal Establishment asserted that the continued deprivation of liberty, when a court has ordered otherwise, is impermissible and pure injustice. It called upon the government, the Zambia Police Service, and all relevant authorities to apply the ethical and lawful provisions of the Constitution, stating that fidelity to the Constitution is a legal and moral obligation. The Establishment declared that the immediate and unconditional release of Mr. Xavier Franklin Chungu, pursuant to applicable legal provisions and in view of recent developments, is not a matter of discretion, but a matter of law, critical for demonstrating Zambia’s commitment to constitutionalism and human rights to both its citizens and the international community.