Zambia's President Hakainde Hichilema was sworn in on Tuesday for a second five-year term following a disputed election overshadowed by the detention of his main political rival, Brian Mundubile, on treason charges.
Hichilema, 64, won the 13 August election with 60% of the vote according to official results, against 38% for Mundubile. The defeated candidate contested the outcome, alleging the tallying process had been manipulated, but was prevented from mounting a legal challenge after courts were closed on the final day for filing objections.
Although election observers largely described polling day as peaceful, the European Union flagged weaknesses in the counting process. EU monitors noted that officials at several tallying centres failed to record results in official registers immediately after their announcement, and identified discrepancies between digital records and paper documents.
Tensions escalated the day after the election when security forces raided a property in Lusaka linked to Mundubile. The operation resulted in the death of a former minister and the detention of several opposition politicians. Authorities accused the opposition of planning an armed insurrection, a charge the opposition denied.
Mundubile and his running mate, Makebi Zulu, went into hiding but were apprehended by police last week and formally charged over the weekend. The arrest of the leading opposition figure came as questions over the transparency of the electoral process persisted.
In his inauguration address, Hichilema made no reference to Mundubile's detention, but stated that the pursuit of political power 'must never happen at the expense of the peace, security and stability' of Zambia. The president called for respect of political differences, arguing that democracy does not require unanimity of opinion.
Hichilema also invited the opposition to work with the government for the benefit of the country, saying: 'When you have a good idea, we will listen to you.' The inauguration ceremony was held before thousands of supporters and attended by several African heads of state, including the presidents of Kenya, Botswana, Zimbabwe, Namibia, and Tanzania.
The second term begins after five years marked by efforts to stabilise the economy. When Hichilema took office in 2021, Zambia had defaulted on its international debt and was recording annual inflation above 24%. The former businessman negotiated a debt restructuring and moved to restore relations with foreign creditors.
With inflation declining but the cost of living remaining elevated for much of the population, Hichilema has pledged to focus his second term on economic expansion. 'We are moving from stabilisation to growth,' he said, promising that the next five years will be dedicated to creating prosperity for all Zambians.
Hichilema was inaugurated alongside his vice-presidential running mate, Mutale Nalumango.
Source: Diário Económico
Original article: https://www.diarioeconomico.co.mz/2026/09/01/mundo/africa/zambia-hichilema-toma-posse-para-segundo-mandato-com-principal-opositor-detido/
