Zambia’s President Hakainde Hichilema is under intense scrutiny after a series of stone-throwing attacks disrupted his public appearances. Videos showing him ducking and being rushed away from a rally in the Copperbelt province shocked citizens across the country, drawing condemnation from both supporters and opponents.
With nine months until the next election and a bid for a second term, Hichilema is feeling the heat. In his first press conference in 18 months, he defended his administration, highlighting achievements in economic reforms and power generation.
“This level of hatred is shocking; you can see and even feel the venom,” Hichilema said, urging Zambians to embrace unity and mutual respect. However, critics argue that his message may not resonate with citizens who continue to face daily hardships.
Simon Mwila, an opposition mayoral candidate in Lusaka, suggested that the president has lost touch with ordinary Zambians, explaining why frustrations have manifested as violent protests rather than peaceful demonstrations.
Historian Sishuwa Sishuwa also criticized Hichilema, claiming he has strayed from the principles he once championed and now resembles, or even exceeds, the flaws of his predecessor, Edgar Lungu. The president rejects these claims, pointing to his role in resolving the inherited debt crisis and stabilizing government finances.
Tensions flared on 8 November in Chingola town, despite Hichilema arriving with $450,000 to help rebuild a market destroyed by fire. The president was forced to cut short his address as an angry crowd clashed with authorities. Police attributed the unrest to “unruly members of the public,” with at least 27 arrested for violence and looting.
Hichilema later accused illegal artisanal miners of instigating the chaos as the government moves to regulate unregistered mining activities. “We will not allow any thuggery to return ever again,” he warned.
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