Zambia Hichilema Second Term: Opposition Leader Charged With Treason

• Zambian President Hakainde Hichilema was sworn in for his second term, pledging continued economic growth and opportunity.
• The inauguration was overshadowed by the arrest of main opposition leader Brian Mundubile on treason charges, which he denies.
• Mundubile's arrest followed a security raid on his home after the August 13 election, during which a former cabinet minister was killed.
• Hichilema himself faced treason charges in 2016, spending four months in prison before the charges were dropped.
• Despite Hichilema's economic reforms, critics note that the benefits have not yet reached the majority of Zambia's population, with over 70% living on less than $3 a day.

The ceremony, held in Lusaka, drew thousands of cheering supporters adorned in the red colors of Hichilema's United Party for National Development (UPND) and was attended by several African leaders.

Zambian President Hakainde Hichilema was formally sworn into office for his second term on Tuesday, pledging to build upon the economic recovery initiated during his initial mandate. The ceremony, held in Lusaka, drew thousands of cheering supporters adorned in the red colors of Hichilema's United Party for National Development (UPND) and was attended by several African leaders.

However, the celebratory atmosphere was significantly tempered by the fact that the main opposition leader, Brian Mundubile, who placed second in the recent August 13 ballot, was under arrest on treason charges. This development immediately cast a shadow over the start of President Hichilema's new five-year mandate, highlighting a contentious political landscape. During his address, President Hichilema, a 64-year-old tycoon, acknowledged the inherent nature of political differences in a democracy but stressed that the pursuit of power should never jeopardize national peace, security, or stability.

He further remarked on the courage required for public service, asserting that it should never escalate to a matter of life or death. Hichilema secured 60 percent of the vote in the last election, while Mundubile, a 55-year-old former provincial government minister, garnered 38 percent. The opposition leader vehemently denies the treason allegations.

The charges against Brian Mundubile and his running mate, Makebi Zulu, were confirmed by their lawyer at the weekend, following their surrender to police on August 27. Mundubile had gone into hiding after security forces raided his home on August 14, the day after polling, claiming they were targeting a suspected militia group posing a national security threat. His NRPUP alliance strongly refuted these allegations.

During the security operation, a former cabinet minister was tragically shot and killed, and 11 members of Mundubile's camp were arrested. Both Mundubile and Zulu, who have roots in the Patriotic Front party led by the late Edgar Lungu—Hichilema's predecessor and political rival—have denied the treason charges. This incident carries a notable historical echo, as President Hichilema himself faced treason charges in 2016 after losing the presidential election to Lungu, allegedly for failing to yield to the presidential motorcade. He spent four months in a maximum-security prison before those charges were ultimately dropped.

This recent development involving the Zambia Hichilema second term opposition treason charges raises significant questions about the rule of law and political freedoms. The August 13 election itself was reportedly marred by allegations of intimidation, pro-government bias, and restrictions on the opposition, which critics suggest has tarnished the copper-rich nation's democratic reputation. Furthermore, there are claims that the space for political dissent has narrowed during Hichilema's first term, which commenced in 2021.

President Hichilema's first term has been credited with steering Zambia through a significant economic turnaround, particularly after the country defaulted on its sovereign debt in 2020. His administration pursued market-friendly reforms, which contributed to a drop in inflation and an increase in international reserves. Beyond economic measures, Hichilema's government also abolished the death penalty and implemented free primary and secondary education, reflecting broader UPND government policies.

Despite these achievements, critics argue that the benefits of this growth have yet to be widely felt by ordinary households. Hichilema acknowledged "challenges with the cost of living," stating that "there is still a lot more to be done" and that his new mandate would focus on moving "from stabilisation to growth, effectively." This means, in practice, broad expansion and for all Zambian people to access opportunities, irrespective of their backgrounds. The economic reality for many remains stark, with World Bank data indicating that over 70 percent of Zambia's 22 million people live on less than three dollars a day.

As Africa's second-largest copper producer, Zambia's economy heavily relies on the commodity, which accounts for approximately 70 percent of its export earnings. China stands as a major investor and the country's largest bilateral creditor. The ongoing political developments, particularly the Brian Mundubile treason charges, will be a key factor in Zambia's political risk assessment as the nation navigates its economic and democratic future, having gained independence from Britain in 1964.

The arrest of a prominent opposition leader on treason charges immediately following the President's inauguration signals potential political instability and raises significant concerns about the rule of law and political freedoms in Zambia. Lawyers and compliance officers should monitor these developments closely for implications on human rights, due process, and the overall political risk landscape for clients operating in or engaging with Zambia.

Source: Original reporting via unnamed news agency