Zambia’s Hichilema takes oath for second term amid political tensions

Zambia’s President Hakainde Hichilema has been sworn in for a second five-year term following a disputed election and the detention of his main political opponent on treason charges.

Hichilema, 64, secured 60% of the vote in the 13 August election, according to official results, while his closest rival, Brian Mundubile, received 38%. Mundubile has alleged that the election result was manipulated but was unable to challenge it in court after the courts were sealed off on the final day for filing a case.

Election observers also raised concerns about aspects of the vote-counting process. European Union observers said results were not always recorded on tally sheets immediately after being announced and that verification between digital and paper records was sometimes weak.

Political tensions increased after the election when security forces raided a property in Lusaka linked to Mundubile. A former cabinet minister was killed during the operation, while several opposition politicians were arrested. Authorities accused the opposition of planning an armed uprising, a claim they denied.

Mundubile and his running mate, Makebi Zulu, later went into hiding before being detained by police and charged.

During his inauguration at the National Heroes Stadium in Lusaka, Hichilema did not directly address his opponent’s detention. Instead, he called for political differences to be handled peacefully.

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“The pursuit of political power must never come at the expense of peace, security and stability in our country,” he said.

He also urged the opposition to cooperate with his government, saying democracy required people to respect one another even when they disagreed.

Thousands of supporters gathered at the stadium to celebrate the inauguration, while several African leaders attended the ceremony, including the presidents of Kenya, Botswana, Zimbabwe, Namibia and Tanzania.

Hichilema first came to power in 2021 after defeating then-President Edgar Lungu. At the time, Zambia was facing a major economic crisis after defaulting on its international debt, while annual inflation had risen above 24%.

During his first term, Hichilema’s government negotiated a restructuring of the country’s debt and improved relations with international creditors. Inflation has fallen, although many Zambians continue to face high living costs.

The president said his second term would focus on economic growth and improving prosperity.

“Having done the heavy lifting in our first term, the next five years is all about growth and prosperity for all our people,” Hichilema said.

He was sworn in alongside his running mate, Mutale Nalumango, as his government begins a second term amid continued political tensions over the disputed election and the detention of opposition figures.

(BBC News)