ZAMBIA’S HICHILEMA BEGINS SECOND TERM AS OPPOSITION RIVAL FACES TREASON CHARGES

Zambia’s President Hakainde Hichilema has begun his second term in office, while his main election rival remains in custody facing treason charges.

Hichilema was sworn in on Tuesday at a ceremony held at a stadium in Lusaka, attended by thousands of supporters of his United Party for National Development.

The 64-year-old president won the August 13 election with 60 per cent of the vote, according to official results. His main challenger, former government minister Brian Mundubile, came second with 38 per cent.

However, the election was surrounded by allegations of intimidation, restrictions on opposition activities and favouritism towards the ruling party, raising concerns about Zambia’s democratic record.

Mundubile went into hiding after security forces raided his home a day after the election. Authorities said they were searching for a suspected militia linked to a national security threat, an allegation strongly rejected by Mundubile’s political alliance.

During the operation, a former cabinet minister was killed and 11 members of Mundubile’s political camp were arrested.

Mundubile and his running mate, Makebi Zulu, later surrendered to the police. Their lawyer confirmed that both had been charged with treason, a serious allegation they have denied.

Despite the political tensions surrounding the election, Hichilema enters his second term with praise for his handling of Zambia’s economy. He has been credited with helping the country through an economic turnaround since taking office in 2021.

His new term is expected to focus on maintaining economic progress while facing pressure to address concerns over political freedoms and opposition rights.