Hakainde Hichilema sworn in for second Zambian term as opposition leader faces treason charges

Second term inauguration in Lusaka

Hakainde Hichilema began his second five-year term as president of Zambia on 1 September 2026 during an official ceremony at the National Heroes Stadium in Lusaka. Thousands of supporters dressed in the red colours of the governing United Party for National Development (UPND) filled the venue. Several regional heads of state attended the event, including Kenyan President William Ruto, Tanzanian President Samia Suluhu Hassan, Zimbabwean President Emmerson Mnangagwa, and Namibian President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah. In his inaugural address, the 64-year-old president framed his agenda around the slogan "Grow Zambia", promising that economic stabilization would transition into broader prosperity across the country.

This mandate does not belong to Hakainde Hichilema, but to the Zambian people.

Economic targets and cost of living

The government plans to direct investments into the mining, agriculture, energy, and tourism sectors to expand employment for university graduates. During his first presidential term beginning in 2021, Hichilema oversaw a debt restructuring process with international creditors, restored relations with the International Monetary Fund, lowered inflation, abolished the death penalty, and made primary and secondary education free. In his address, Hichilema acknowledged that economic gains have not reached every household, with basic commodity prices continuing to rise. World Bank statistics show that over 70% of Zambia's 22 million people live on less than three dollars per day.

The next five years will be marked by growth, expansion, opportunities and prosperity for all our people.

Opposition arrests and treason allegations

The swearing-in occurred under heavy police security while main opposition rival Brian Mundubile remained detained at the Mukobeko Maximum Security Prison in Kabwe. Official results from the 13 August 2026 election gave Hichilema 60.5% of the vote, with Mundubile receiving 38%. Over the weekend before the inauguration, prosecutors charged Mundubile, his running mate Makebi Zulu, and 16 others with treason. Those charged include a former Anglican bishop who heads the political party established by Zambia's first post-independence president, Kenneth Kaunda. The government asserted that the opposition figures coordinated with an armed militia and foreign entities to plan a rebellion, citing weapons and ammunition confiscated during police operations.

Post-election violence and democratic scrutiny

Mundubile denied all charges in video recordings released on social media before being taken into custody. Security forces had raided a residence associated with Mundubile on 14 August 2026, the day after the vote. Gunfire broke out during the raid, resulting in the death of former government minister Mutotwe Kafwaya, who served under previous president Edgar Lungu. European Union election observers stated in a report that fundamental democratic rights were impaired, noting that staff in several counting centres suspended operations while waiting for central instructions. Opposition alliance representative Muhabi Lungu rejected government claims of planned protests, citing extensive detentions.

More than 300 people are in prison, our secretary general is on the run, and several senior alliance leaders are not present, so who is organizing these demonstrations?