Zambian President Hakainde Hichilema was sworn in for a second five-year term on Tuesday. For decades, Zambia has worn its peaceful transfers of power almost like a badge of honor in a region where elections have too often ended in disputed results, violence or leaders refusing to leave. Hichilema's own victory in 2021 appeared to strengthen that reputation.
Five years later, the picture is more complicated. Hichilema begins his second term after a disputed election, with his main challenger facing treason charges, opposition supporters questioning the credibility of the vote and controversy surrounding the closure of courts during the crucial window for election petitions. Hichilema has promised reconciliation.
But for a president who once sat on the other side of power as an opposition leader and treason suspect himself, the test now is whether those words will be matched by the political space he gives his opponents. Ngobola Cengelo Muyembe, a political, business and social analyst, told DW that reconciliation must begin by recognizing that a significant part of the electorate backed someone else. "You have to remember that in every 10 people that voted, four people voted for the other side," Muyembe said, noting that during the president's inaugural address, he spoke about reconciliation and uniting people.
"But that message can only resonate if what is on the ground reflects what is being spoken about." Raymond, a self-employed Zambian who asked that his full name not be used, told DW that Hichilema should look beyond who supported him at the ballot box and govern across Zambia's political and ethnic divisions. "The president, congratulations! Don't think about people who voted for you, didn't vote for you.
One Zambia, one nation, one city," Raymond said. "Real change in mines and agriculture. The mines want us Zambians to be benefiting.
Even your Tonga, your Bemba, you are all Zambians." Artist Mazuba Nzabuka told DW he also wants Hichilema to govern those who supported him and those who did not, while giving young people a greater voice. "Going forward, he is going to do the promises left behind. He is a president for all people," said Nzabuka.
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