from ARNOLD MULENGA in Lusaka, Zambia
Zambia Bureau
LUSAKA, (CAJ News) – PRESIDENT Hakainde Hichilema has lurched into a precarious position as he seeks re-election with polls in Zambia on the horizon.
At a crossroads moment for this iconic pro-liberation and nation, his image has taken a huge dent locally and across borders lately in what has been a reign dominated by gaffes, from 2021.
Hichilema’s United Party for National Development (UPND) is meanwhile beset by factionalism as some in the party resist his iron-fisted leadership that has defiled Zambia’s profile lately.
The head of state recently came under criticism locally and abroad for attending the swearing -in of President Samia Suluhu Hassan of Tanzania, after a controversial poll that has left hundreds of people dead.
Hichilema was one of four presidents to attend. Perennial toxic Zambian neighbours, Zimbabwe, accuse Hichilema of violence against dissent.
In the other neighbouring Tanzania, youth are up in arms against the government following the poll, and it appears the anger has spilled into Zambia.
Under the Gen Z movement, youths have been protesting across some autocratic governments in Africa, and the self-proclaimed democrat but increasingly despotic Hichilema bore the brunt on Saturday as youth turned against him.
Youngsters, riled by unfulfilled campaign promises and angered by a market fire and mining disputes, ran rampage in the Chingola district of the Copperbelt more than 400 kilometres north of the capital, Lusaka.
He had to be briefly hospitalised, reportedly, after an injury to his forehead.
The Chiwempala Market and Chikola Secondary School grounds were war zones between law enforcers and youth who turned up, apparently not to listen to their president but to disparage him.
As he was addressing residents at Chiwempala that afternoon, some unruly individuals began breaking into and looting shops.
When police officers moved in to contain the situation, the crowd became violent and started charging towards the venue where Hichilema was speaking.
President and police were pelted with an assortment of weapons.
For security reasons, Hichilema was whisked away and was escorted to the landing pad at Chikola school grounds, but a rude awakening awaited too.
The youth-led protesters followed the presidential motorcade and threw missiles.
Cars that were part of the motorcade were smashed and others set alight.
The presidential holding tent, which included carpets, furniture and Hichilema’s portrait were burnt in the melee.
A portable toilet and a van pulling it were razed down.
Since the tent and portable toilet were hired, as well as vehicles, the government now must pay compensation.
The Zambia Police Service said it had arrested five individuals in relation to the riots.
Abraham Chilumbu (aged 24) and Abraham Sichone (21) are alleged ringleaders
“Such behaviour is criminal and will be met with the full force of the law,” warned Rae Hamoonga, police spokesman.
His boss, Inspector General Graphel Musamba, said, “Police will continue to pursue and arrest those found involved in the riot until all perpetrators are brought to book.”
Hichilema’s UPND condemned the skirmishes but hailed Hichilema for demonstrating “maximum leadership and restraint.”
“Because of the rare nature of President Hichilema, who decided to withdraw, lives of citizens in Chingola have been spared,” the party started.
UPND meanwhile is beset by factionalism ahead of the 2026 elections.
Batuke Imenda, UPND Secretary General, said some members were already forming camps and campaigning for themselves instead of the president.
“We will not allow that,” Imenda told party supporters.
Before winning elections against Edgar Lungu (now late) of the Patriotic Front and other incumbents, Hichilema (63) was a longtime opposition leader.
“When he (Hichielma) was in opposition, bullets sang past him, stones found his shoulders and teargas turned his house into a choking night,” Clayson Hamasaka, presidential spokesman said.
Almost always clad in trademark navy suits and black moccasin shoes, Hichilema (63), nicknamed HH or Bally, is arguably the wealthiest Zambian, even before he came to power.
Youth-led protests have lately disrupted political establishments in Africa.
This week, controversially, Isaac Herzog, the Israel president, will visit Zambia and the democrat-turned-dictator-cum-despot, Hichilema, is to host him.
– CAJ News