Zambia must not sacrifice peace for power, HH warns

President says violence, hate speech and lawlessness will not be tolerated as campaigns officially begin

President Hakainde Hichilema used the opening of Zambia’s official campaign period to issue one of his strongest warnings yet against political violence, declaring that no individual or political group would receive protection if found responsible for lawlessness during the August 13 elections.

Speaking shortly after successfully filing his presidential nomination papers at Mulungushi International Conference Centre on Friday, Hichilema shifted much of his message away from campaign promises and toward national stability, security and democratic conduct as political tensions continue rising across the country.

The President said Zambia’s peace, unity and democratic reputation must not be sacrificed for political power, warning supporters and political players against violence, intimidation, tribalism and hate speech during the election period.

Democracy requires robust debate and the free exchange of ideas, Hichilema said. “However, no action that threatens peace, unity, public order or national security shall be tolerated.”

The remarks came at a politically sensitive moment following a series of violent incidents linked to nominations in several districts, including the widely publicised attack on former minister Gary Nkombo in Mazabuka. Police have since arrested five suspects linked to the assault.

Without directly naming any political group, the President warned that the law would apply firmly and fairly to all citizens regardless of political affiliation.

“Any individual or group found wanting by the law, from whatever political persuasion, including members of our own party, will be on their own,” he said.

The statement immediately became one of the most discussed political messages across Friday’s newspapers, with several publications interpreting it as an attempt by the Head of State to distance himself from rising violence associated with the nomination process.

The President also revealed that he had instructed law enforcement agencies to remain on high alert throughout the campaign period to protect peace and constitutional order.

Security agencies have already intensified operations following disturbances reported in Mazabuka, Chavuma, Kaoma, Mumbwa and other districts during nominations.

Inspector-General of Police Graphel Musamba separately warned that perpetrators of political violence would face the full force of the law, saying police had operationalised a nationwide Electoral Security Plan involving intelligence-led deployments and rapid response operations.

The President’s speech also appeared designed to calm growing international concern over Zambia’s electoral environment after British High Commissioner Rebecca Terzeon warned that violence and instability could damage the country’s democratic reputation if the elections are mishandled.

In comments carried prominently by private newspapers, the British envoy called for impartial policing, credible courts and peaceful political conduct, saying Zambia’s standing as a peaceful democracy should not be undermined by election violence.

The diplomatic intervention added international pressure to an already tense domestic political atmosphere where opposition parties and governance activists are increasingly questioning institutional neutrality.

Governance activist Brebner Changala accused sections of the Judiciary of selective justice while linking the continued detention of jailed PF secretary general Raphael Nakacinda to what he described as weakening democratic institutions.

Meanwhile, opposition parties used Friday’s developments to intensify criticism of the ruling party over political violence and internal disputes surrounding nominations.

Tonse Alliance leader Brian Mundubile accused the UPND of fostering violence after the Mazabuka incident, while Operation Young Vote acting executive director Isaac Mwale warned that escalating violence posed a direct threat to Zambia’s democratic stability.

The President’s speech also targeted divisive political rhetoric, with repeated appeals for issue-based campaigns rather than confrontational politics.

“We must never return to pangas,” Hichilema told supporters during the gathering, invoking memories of violent political periods that have repeatedly haunted Zambia’s elections.

The remarks resonated strongly because they arrived while multiple newspapers carried front-page images and reports connected to political clashes, arrests and allegations of cadre violence.

Beyond the security message, the President attempted to frame the coming election as a choice between stability and instability, urging citizens to protect Zambia’s democratic legacy through peaceful participation.

His running mate, Vice-President Mutale Nalumango, later reinforced the message by praising the administration’s leadership and describing herself as honoured to continue serving under the President.

At the same time, State House communication aide Clayson Hamasaka said Zambia remained “in safe hands” under the current leadership, arguing that the administration had demonstrated responsible governance during its first term.

The speech marked a noticeable shift in emphasis from purely economic messaging toward national cohesion and political order, suggesting the ruling party is increasingly aware that violence and institutional credibility could become defining issues in the campaign.

That concern was visible across nearly all major newspapers on Saturday, where political violence, democratic stability and policing dominated coverage alongside the nomination filings themselves.