PRESIDENT Hakainde Hichilema is this Tuesday, expected to hold a press conference at State House on political violence, among other issues.
President Hichilema warned that Zambia will not drift back into the violent culture that once overshadowed the country’s democracy.
He made the announcement during the Evangelical Church in Zambia Diamond Jubilee celebrations service in Matero, where he reminded the nation of the painful history of political brutality that claimed lives and instilled fear among citizens.
He said his administration is determined to prevent a repeat of violent confrontations, harassment and street clashes that scared previous political eras.
“This country will not be allowed to return to vandalism, street fights and hooliganism, not under our watch. Zambia has come from a dark chapter where people were harmed, intimidated and even lost their lives because of political chaos,” he stated.
He noted that neighboring countries continue to grapple with violence tied to political competition and urged Zambians to protect their peace by refusing to tolerate provocative conduct.
The President also stressed that no individual or group should attempt to justify violent acts using ethnicity, region or party affiliation, saying such justifications only fuel division and instability.
“None of us must hide behind region, ethnicity or political party to advance direct or indirectly violent behavior of the past. Those behaviours belong to the past, and we must keep them there,” he cautioned.
He further reaffirmed government’s commitment to ensuring that every Zambian can participate in the country’s democratic processes and without fear.
By Sharon Zulu
Kalemba November 23, 2025
