Security Chiefs Inspect Heroes Stadium Ahead of Ceremony

President-elect Hakainde Hichilema will be sworn in for a second term tomorrow at National Heroes Stadium in Lusaka, with defence and security chiefs confirming preparations for the ceremony are complete. President Hichilema has declared Tuesday, 1 September, a public holiday…

President-elect Hakainde Hichilema will be sworn in for a second term tomorrow at National Heroes Stadium in Lusaka, with defence and security chiefs confirming preparations for the ceremony are complete.

President Hichilema has declared Tuesday, 1 September, a public holiday to enable Zambians to witness his inauguration and that of Vice-President-elect Mutale Nalumango.

Service chiefs inspected the stadium on Sunday to assess the level of readiness ahead of the swearing-in.

Leading the delegation, Zambia Army Commander Lieutenant General Geoffrey Zyeele said he was satisfied with the progress made so far.

Zyeele also praised the various teams involved in the preparatory works, which began two months ago, for their diligence and commitment.

The inspection was undertaken by the defence and security service chiefs to assess the level of readiness to host the swearing-in ceremony, according to a statement issued by the Zambia Army public relations unit.

“The service chiefs have since reaffirmed defence and security wings’ resolve to ensure a seamless, dignified and secure ceremony befitting the significance of the occasion,” the statement reads in part.

Various heads of state and government from the region and across the globe have congratulated President Hichilema on his election victory following the 13 August general election.

Secretary to the Cabinet Patrick Kangwa said in a statement that guests attending the ceremony are encouraged to consider carpooling due to limited parking space at the stadium.

Meanwhile, Life Gospel Ministries International overseer Joseph Kazhila has urged Zambians to embrace dialogue and reconciliation as Hichilema is sworn in.

The cleric has also implored the international community to respect Zambia’s sovereignty and allow the country to resolve its challenges through its own institutions.

Bishop Kazhila said dialogue remains critical to preserving peace and national unity following the recently held elections.

In an interview, he said Zambians should resolve their differences through peaceful engagement rather than confrontation.

Kazhila said the Church has a responsibility to promote peace, reconciliation and national healing without taking political sides.

He condemned violence and the alleged use of militias to settle political differences, saying power should never be pursued at the expense of human life.

Kazhila urged Zambians to reject the “do or die” approach to politics, and said people accused of offences should be subjected to due process, while those found without a case to answer should be released.

The inauguration comes as the country reflects on Hichilema’s first term, during which Zambia tackled major economic challenges, including debt restructuring, high energy shortages and weak investor confidence.

Various traditional leaders have also weighed in ahead of the ceremony. Chieftainess Sinazongwe of Sinazongwe District in Southern Province said in a congratulatory message that she looked forward with hope and confidence to a period of development, progress and transformation under Hichilema’s renewed mandate.

She said traditional leaders would continue to work closely with the New Dawn administration in promoting peace, unity and development.

UPND presidential campaign team chairperson for Southern Province John Chidyaka said people who have been given a mandate to govern the country should now get to work, as time for politicking is over.

Chidyaka urged citizens to turn out in large numbers for the inauguration, describing it as an opportunity to use Hichilema’s victory as a unifying factor for the country.

Luapula House of Chiefs chairperson Chief Chisunka has separately urged citizens to maintain peace and support Hichilema, cautioning young people against being influenced by individuals inciting violence from the diaspora.

Preparations for the ceremony come against the backdrop of continuing security operations linked to the arrest of opposition figures on treason charges, with security visibly heightened both around the stadium and in Kabwe, where some of the accused are being held.

Various heads of state and government are expected to attend or send representatives to the ceremony, underscoring the international attention on Zambia’s second peaceful transfer of a presidential mandate under Hichilema’s leadership.