President Warns Against Violence in Political Activities
Lusaka, November 26, 2025 — As political tensions simmer amid talk of protests and constitutional debates, President Hakainde Hichilema has issued a firm but measured appeal for calm, stressing that Zambia’s democracy thrives only when grounded in the rule of law and mutual respect. Speaking during a national briefing at State House, he warned that political rivalry must never spill into intimidation, disorder, or actions that endanger ordinary citizens.
While reaffirming the constitutional right to peaceful assembly, the President underscored that all demonstrations must comply with the Public Order Act. Authorities, he noted, are bound to enforce safety protocols, especially when unauthorised gatherings risk drawing participants and bystanders into harm’s way. He pointed to a surge in online misinformation as a key driver of recent unrest, urging Zambians to fact-check before sharing inflammatory claims.
Zambia’s democratic space remains open, he insisted, but he challenged citizens and groups to channel their concerns through existing structures: parliamentary committees, national dialogue forums, and civic platforms designed precisely for constructive engagement. “Street confrontations don’t build nations,” he remarked. “Dialogue does.”
On the sensitive topic of constitutional reform, Hichilema emphasized inclusivity. No single faction, he said, should steer the process. Instead, churches, youth groups, trade unions, political parties, and civil society all have a role to play, provided the conversation remains focused on strengthening governance, not deepening divisions.
He also took a clear stance on the independence of the judiciary and public institutions. His administration, he stressed, has deliberately avoided politically motivated tools like “retirement in the national interest,” a practice he said once bred fear and uncertainty across the civil service. Where injustices occurred under past policies, some officials have since been reinstated, he added, as part of a broader commitment to fairness and institutional integrity.
Turning to recent flare-ups involving youth wings of political parties, the President issued a direct warning: leaders must rein in supporters and reject violence in all its forms. “When young people clash on the streets, it’s innocent lives that pay the price,” he said. He called on parties to champion idea-driven politics over fear-mongering or disruption.
Addressing growing anxiety over alleged threats to civil liberties, Hichilema dismissed claims that the government plans to curtail freedoms. Rights, he clarified, are fully protected so long as they are exercised within the law. He urged citizens to look beyond sensational online rhetoric and rely instead on official communications for accurate information.
Stability, he reminded the nation, isn’t just about peace; it’s the bedrock of progress. From debt restructuring and foreign investment to food security and the ongoing energy recovery, every gain remains vulnerable if unrest takes hold. “We cannot afford to let division undo what we’ve worked so hard to rebuild,” he said.
In closing, the President called for responsible leadership across the political spectrum. Disagreements are inevitable, he acknowledged, but they must be managed through structured, respectful channels. His administration, he affirmed, remains open to policy adjustments provided they’re backed by evidence and serve the national interest.
Recalling Zambia’s proud legacy of peaceful transitions and national consensus, Hichilema urged every institution, community leader, and citizen to help protect that tradition. “Our future depends not on who shouts loudest,” he said, “but on who chooses peace, reason, and the law.”
