Six Heads of State attending Hichilema’s controversial inauguration

7 Views Lusaka came to a near standstill on Tuesday as thousands of residents made their way to National Heroes Stadium for the swearing-in of President-elect Hakainde Hichilema. Six regional leaders touched down at Kenneth Kaunda International Airport by mid-morning to attend the afternoon ceremony. Those in the country so far are: – *Zimbabwe*: President […]

7 Views

Lusaka came to a near standstill on Tuesday as thousands of residents made their way to National Heroes Stadium for the swearing-in of President-elect Hakainde Hichilema.

Six regional leaders touched down at Kenneth Kaunda International Airport by mid-morning to attend the afternoon ceremony.

Those in the country so far are:
– *Zimbabwe*: President Emmerson Dambudzo Mnangagwa
– *Namibia*: President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah
– *Tanzania*: President Samia Suluhu Hassan
– *Botswana*: President Duma Boko
– *Kenya*: President William Ruto
– *Eswatini*: Deputy Prime Minister Thulisile Dladla

Police and security teams were deployed heavily around KKIA and along all major routes leading to Heroes Stadium to manage traffic and receive delegations.

The inauguration comes after one of the most disputed elections in Zambian history.

Hichilema’s main challenger, Brian Mundubile, is currently detained at Mukobeko Maximum Security Prison alongside running mate Makebi Zulu and 16 others.

They face treason charges linked to an ongoing national security probe. Mundubile has rejected the charges and the official version of events after the election.

Despite the political tension, government and the Electoral Commission of Zambia insist the constitutional process is lawful and on course.

Inside Heroes Stadium, the mood is electric, focused on the ceremony, amidst song and dance with various artists entertaining the crowd.

The stands are filling up steadily and party regalia is on full display, despite the event being a national one, and some foreign delegations have already taken their seats.

While the inauguration will not end the political debate, the turnout of regional presidents signals continued diplomatic engagement with Zambia as it moves into Hichilema’s second term.

For many Zambians at the stadium today, the focus shifts from the campaign to what comes next: jobs, stable power, the price of mealie meal, and delivering on copper production targets.