Zambia’s New President Sworn in Amid Controversy

Sun Sep 06 2026 11:20:43 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)

Zambia’s president Hakainde Hichilema begins his second term while his main opponent faces arrest, sparking debate on democracy.

Hichilema was elected with 60% of the vote in a disputed election that saw his opponent, Brian Mundubile, detained on treason charges. The first day after polling, security forces raided Mundubile’s residence in Lusaka, killing a former cabinet minister and arresting opposition leaders. Despite concerns over the tallying process raised by European Union observers, Hichilema’s rise is seen as a chance to build on his six‑year‑old reforms that stabilised Zambia’s economy. Regional leaders, including Botswana’s Duma Boko and Tanzania’s Samia Suluhu Hassan, are expected to attend the inauguration at the National Heroes Stadium.

Zambia’s New President Sworn in Amid Controversy

Zambia’s President Hakainde Hichilema is set to be sworn in for a second five‑year term on Tuesday. The move comes after a contentious election where the main opponent, Brian Mundubile, was arrested on treason charges.

Hichilema secured 60% of the vote on 13 August, while Mundubile received 38%. The opposition alleged vote tampering but had no time to legally challenge the result because the courts were sealed off the day the case was due to be filed.

International observers noted that while polling day was largely peaceful, some returned officers did not date tally sheets immediately and there was weak verification between digital entries and paper records. Returning officers often paused awaiting headquarters instructions.

Following the poll, security forces raided a Lusaka property linked to Mundubile. The raid killed a former cabinet minister and led to the arrest of several opposition politicians.

Authorities accuse the opposition of planning an armed insurrection—claims denied by opposition members. Mundubile and his running mate Makebi Zulu went into hiding before being detained and charged over the weekend.

When Hichilema took office in 2021, Zambia had recently defaulted on international debt and faced an annual inflation rate of over 24%. He negotiated debt restructuring and rebuilt foreign creditor relations, which has helped bring inflation down, though many still struggle with rising living costs.

Hichilema plans to build on the foundations set during his first term, aiming to further strengthen Zambia’s economy and democratic institutions.

The inauguration will be attended by regional leaders including Botswana President Duma Boko and Tanzania President Samia Suluhu Hassan. Hichilema will be sworn in alongside his running mate, Mutale Nalumango.