167 ViewsPresident Hakainde Hichilema has come under intense fire on social media after warning that hunger is the fastest route to national instability. “If you want trouble in the country, let the citizens go hungry, and trouble will come quickly,” President Hichilema said in remarks that immediately sparked a backlash online. The President’s comments, made […]

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President Hichilema

President Hakainde Hichilema has come under intense fire on social media after warning that hunger is the fastest route to national instability.

“If you want trouble in the country, let the citizens go hungry, and trouble will come quickly,” President Hichilema said in remarks that immediately sparked a backlash online.

The President’s comments, made as Zambians grapple with high mealie meal and fuel prices ahead of the August 13, 2026 General Election, were meant to underline the link between food security and peace. Instead, they triggered a wave of criticism, memes and sarcasm across Facebook.

For many citizens, the statement sounded like an admission of failure at a time when the cost of living remains the number one complaint.

“It’s even good he didn’t step foot into State House.”

The comments section turned brutal within hours.

Thembezianani Mwale did not mince words: _“Akamba late. It’s even good that he didn’t step foot into the state house, it will be easy for him to go back to the farm quickly.”_

Jeremiah Jere linked the remarks to the opposition: _“Thank you Mr President for making Mundubile work easy and for easing his passage to Presidency.”_

Elijah Katempa framed it as a call for change: _“When the government fails to change the lives of it’s citizens, then people must change the government.”_

Simweba Sinvula took a swipe at the President’s tenure: _“This should have been his advice to his brother as he will be handing over instruments of power after 13 August.”_

“Who writes speeches for the president?”
Other reactions questioned the messaging coming from State House.

Stephen Nkhowani was blunt: _“Thats why he’s in trouble.”_

Juma Max asked: _“But he said that hunger is biblical who writes speeches for the president if I may ask.”_

Saindala Mwale reminded the President of his current role: _“Someone inform ba boss ati he is our current President and no longer in Opposition.”_

The line of criticism was clear: Zambians feel the President is stating the obvious while failing to fix it.

The counter-view: “Development starts with you”
Not all reactions were hostile. A few defended the President and shifted responsibility to citizens.

Webster Int wrote a long post that went viral in pro-government groups:
_“Even if they change government or what, If you don’t work you shall not eat. Through industrialization which can create more job opportunities for the citizens. So the duty of a citizen is to get skilled. And if you don’t have a skill then what’s available is unskilled labor which is low pay. DEVELOPMENT STARTS individually, family level, community. Ahhh do what you want mwe but no president will deliver food to your house. It’s you only you!”_

That view, however, was drowned out by the dominant sentiment. One comment summed up the mood: _“True Zambia is upset with him because of hunger.”_

President Hichilema’s remarks come less than a month before Zambia goes to the polls. The cost of living, job creation and food security have dominated campaigns and radio call-in programs.

Government has blamed external shocks, debt servicing and drought for the economic pressure. It has pointed to agriculture support, social cash transfers and industrialization as the long-term answer.

But on the streets and online, patience is thin. Mealimeal prices remain above K300 in many areas, and young people continue to complain about unemployment.

Political analysts say the President’s “hunger = trouble” line, while factually true, handed the opposition ready-made campaign material. With PF Presidential candidate Robert Mundubile already touring provinces, the comment is likely to feature heavily in opposition messaging.

For now, State House has not issued a follow-up clarification. But the social media storm shows how sensitive the hunger debate has become as Zambia heads to August 13.

As one commenter put it: leaders ignore empty stomachs at their own peril.