Do not waste what you have achieved – Mo Ibrahim cautions HH

Sudanese-British billionaire businessman, tech entrepreneur and philanthropist, […]

Sudanese-British billionaire businessman, tech entrepreneur and philanthropist, Sir Mohammed Fathi Ahmed Ibrahim KCMG, has called on President Hakainde Hichilema to protect Zambia’s democratic reputation amid controversy following the 2026 general election.

In a statement seen by the Zambian Business Times – ZBT, dated 26 August 2026 in London, Ibrahim said the developments after the election had raised serious concerns about the country’s democratic trajectory.

“Mr President, your first mandate was defined by progress. Do not waste what you have achieved,” he said.

Ibrahim indicated that the conduct of elections should not be viewed only through what happens on polling day, arguing that the real test of democracy continues after votes have been cast.

“Elections are of course a key test of democracy. But the test extends beyond what happens at the ballot box,” he said.

The billionaire philanthropist said the reported arrest of opposition members, killing of former Minister Mutotwe Kafwaya and suspension of vote counting were developments that demanded serious scrutiny.

“The arbitrary arrest of opposition members; the killing of a former minister; and the suspension of vote counting: these should never happen in a true democracy,” said Ibrahim.

He also criticised the closure of Zambia’s top courts ahead of the deadline for challenging the election result.

“The recent decision to close Zambia’s top courts, including the Constitutional Court, just before the deadline for challenging the election result, only adds to the mess,” said Ibrahim.

He said Zambia had spent decades building a democratic reputation founded on competitive elections, peaceful transfers of power and adherence to constitutional processes.

“Zambia has a proud legacy of competitive elections, peaceful transfers of power and respect for constitutional processes,” said Ibrahim.

He warned that the country’s democratic standing should not be taken for granted, while directly challenging President Hichilema to consider how the latest developments could shape his political legacy.

“Mr President: your own legacy could be just as strong,” said Ibrahim.

He added that no legacy can be taken for granted and it must be protected and strengthened from one mandate to the next.

Ibrahim said that the democratic reputation Zambia has built over decades could be seriously damaged if the current tensions are not handled in a manner that protects constitutionalism and public confidence.

“It would be a waste and a shame for it all to crumble now,” he said.

By Philip Sinkala