Hakainde Hichilema is the current President of Zambia, having taken office in August 2021. He is the leader of the United Party for National Development (UPND) and his rise to power marked a significant shift in Zambian politics. Known for his background as a successful businessman and a seasoned politician, Hichilema was seen by many as a beacon of hope for a country weary of corruption and economic mismanagement under the previous administration of Edgar Lungu.
Hichilema’s presidency began with high expectations, as his victory was perceived as a protest vote against Lungu’s Patriotic Front, which was marred by accusations of corruption, a shrinking civil space, and increased influence of party cadres. The economic situation under Lungu’s presidency had deteriorated, with rising inflation and cost of living, and warnings of debt distress. Hichilema promised to steer Zambia into a new era of economic stability and governance reform, likening his aspirations to entering a “champions league.”
However, two years into his presidency, many of the promises Hichilema made remain unfulfilled. His administration prioritized economic issues, notably focusing on debt restructuring and securing an IMF bailout package. While Hichilema presented this as a success, the accompanying austerity measures, including cuts to fuel and agriculture subsidies, have placed a heavy burden on ordinary Zambians. The cost of living has remained high, and the benefits of the IMF deal have not trickled down to the populace as expected.
Hichilema’s presidency has also been tainted by allegations of corruption. A notable incident involved the resignation of former Minister Kakubo after a controversial video surfaced. Despite public outcry, Hichilema defended the minister, which many interpreted as a sign of weak and indecisive leadership. Critics argue that his approach to governance has been business-as-usual rather than the methodical change he promised.
Furthermore, Hichilema has been criticized for being out of touch with ordinary Zambians. He chose to live in his private mansion rather than the government house and refused to draw a government salary. While some saw this as a demonstration of his wealth and independence, others perceived it as an abuse of authority and insensitivity to the struggles of average citizens. His social media posts about his ranches and cattle have particularly drawn ire, especially during times of crisis such as a cholera outbreak in Lusaka.
Hichilema’s penchant for international travel has also raised eyebrows. In just two years, he made over 65 trips abroad, claiming to be marketing Zambia to the world. However, many Zambians remain skeptical about the tangible benefits of these trips, seeing them as extravagant and out of touch with local needs.
Domestically, Hichilema has been accused of replicating some of the negative practices of the previous regime. Allegations have surfaced about his administration’s involvement in the disunity within the main opposition party, the Patriotic Front. There are also concerns about the partiality of the police and the shrinking of political and civil space, echoing issues from the Lungu era. Hichilema’s government has largely ignored civil society and church organizations’ critiques, raising further concerns about his commitment to inclusive governance.
Despite spending considerable time explaining his vision and achievements, Hichilema has struggled to convince many Zambians of his efficacy. His ministerial appointments and policy decisions in critical areas like agriculture, food security, and governance have faced significant criticism. As Zambia approaches the next election in 2026, there is a pervasive sense that the country may find itself back at square one, questioning what Hichilema has truly accomplished and how his administration has repaid the mandate given to him by the Zambian people in 2021.
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