President Hakainde Hichilema was a few days ago forced to abandon his address at Chiwempala Market in Chingola after a group of unruly individuals disrupted the event with chants and stone-throwing. The market, which was recently gutted by fire, had drawn hundreds of residents eager to hear from the Head of State.
No sooner had President Hichilema taken to the podium than sections of the crowd began shouting and pelting stones toward the stage. Witnesses described the chaotic scene, saying the chants of “Senseli, Senseli!” filled the air, referring to the nearby mining area that has become a flashpoint of tension between local youths and government authorities.
Police confirmed that two suspects have been apprehended in connection with the incident. An irate mob also reportedly torched a police vehicle, the Presidential holding tent, and other properties during the disturbance.
Anger Over “Illegal” Mining Restrictions
The unrest appears to stem from discontent among some youths involved in small-scale mining activities around Senseli, which the government has deemed illegal. The restrictions have left many without livelihoods, fueling frustration and resentment toward the administration.
Political commentators have since pointed fingers at the country’s intelligence apparatus, accusing it of failing to adequately assess and warn the President about the volatile situation in the area. “This was a serious security lapse,” said one analyst. “The President’s safety must always be paramount, and this incident could have been prevented.”
A Political Wake-Up Call
While the incident is regrettable, some observers believe it serves as a wake-up call for the President and his team. In recent months, critics have accused Hichilema of being increasingly detached from the realities facing ordinary citizens, particularly in regions like the Copperbelt where economic hardship remains acute.
Since taking office in 2021, Hichilema’s administration has touted fiscal discipline and international re-engagement, including an IMF bailout package. However, many Zambians say their daily lives have not improved. Rising energy costs, inflation, unemployment, and persistent corruption allegations have deepened public frustration.
“The President once asked, ‘Bushe mwikala kwisa?’ (Where do you live?)” one commentator noted. “Yesterday’s events provided the answer — the people live in Chingola, in Chiwempala, in Senseli — and they are struggling.”
Public Discontent Beyond the Opposition
Analysts warn that the growing disillusionment may not be driven by traditional opposition parties such as the Patriotic Front (PF), but by ordinary Zambians disenchanted with the government’s performance. Despite the UPND’s emphasis on stability and reform, critics argue that its communication strategy has faltered, and that the administration risks losing touch with the electorate ahead of the 2026 general elections.
“The biggest opposition Hichilema faces today is not the PF,” a political observer said, “but millions of citizens suffering in silence. The discontent is real — even if it’s not always voiced publicly.”
A Test of Leadership
The Copperbelt chaos has raised questions about Hichilema’s political instincts and his government’s ability to manage public sentiment in economically distressed regions. As the dust settles, the President faces a critical moment — one that could either harden divisions or prompt a recalibration of his leadership approach.
For many, this is more than a security incident. It is a reflection of a nation’s unease — and a reminder that no leader, however reformist, can afford to lose touch with the people who put them in power.
