NAKONDE, Zambia (FN) — Nine men have died from gunshot wounds in Nakonde District Hospital between Wednesday and Friday, as escalating political tensions in neighboring Tanzania spill across the border, triggering deadly violence and widespread disruption.
The first fatalities occurred on election day, when three men were struck by stray bullets in the disputed “no-man’s-land” between Nakonde, Zambia, and Tunduma, Tanzania. Subsequent incidents claimed six more lives, all of whom were rushed to Nakonde District Hospital but succumbed to their injuries.
Nakonde District Commissioner Marvelous Sikapizye confirmed the deaths during a live broadcast on Chete FM News Friday morning. He stated that all victims were male residents of Nakonde and Tunduma, caught in the crossfire of unrest linked to political disputes in Tanzania.
The violence is reportedly tied to growing dissatisfaction with President Samia Suluhu Hassan’s administration, with opposition groups accusing the government of electoral misconduct and suppression of dissent. While Tanzanian authorities have not issued an official statement, the unrest has triggered a lockdown in Tunduma and disrupted cross-border movement.
Shops in Tunduma have shuttered, and the normally busy border crossing into Zambia has been closed to civilian traffic. Only security personnel are permitted to move through the area, as both governments urge residents to remain indoors and avoid public gatherings.
Stray bullets have also caused property damage in Zambia. On Friday, one round struck a residential home in Katozi village, while another hit a ZESCO power transformer. No injuries were reported in those incidents, but local officials say the risk remains high.
“We are deeply concerned about the safety of our people,” Sikapizye said. “We urge everyone to stay indoors and avoid the border zone until the situation stabilizes.”
Human rights groups have called for an independent investigation into the cross-border violence and urged both governments to prioritize civilian protection. Regional observers warn that the unrest could escalate if not swiftly addressed through diplomatic channels.
The Nakonde–Tunduma corridor is a vital trade and transit route for both countries, with thousands of people crossing daily for commerce, transport, and family ties. The current shutdown has paralyzed economic activity and heightened fears of prolonged instability.
As of Friday evening, security forces remain deployed across the border region, and residents continue to shelter in place amid uncertainty and grief.
