Hichilema Sworn In For Second Term As Main Opposition Leader Faces Treason Charge

Zambia’s President Hakainde Hichilema was sworn in for a second term on Tuesday, days after his main challenger in last month’s election was remanded on treason charges.

Thousands of supporters wearing the red colours of Hichilema’s United Party for National Development, UPND, packed the national stadium in Lusaka for the inauguration, which was attended by several African leaders.

The 64-year-old businessman won 60 percent of the vote in the August 13 election, while former government minister Brian Mundubile polled 38 percent, according to official results.

The election was marred by allegations of intimidation, pro-government bias and restrictions on the opposition.

Mundubile went into hiding after security operatives raided his home on August 14, saying they were targeting a suspected militia posing a threat to national security, a claim his NRPUP alliance has strongly denied.

A former cabinet minister was shot dead during the operation, while 11 members of Mundubile’s camp were arrested.

Mundubile and his running mate, Makebi Zulu, surrendered to the police nearly two weeks later. Their lawyer confirmed at the weekend that they have been charged with treason, an allegation they have denied.

Hichilema, who first came to power in 2021, has been credited with steering the copper-rich nation through a major economic turnaround in his first term.