Zambia’s President Hakainde Hichilema is pushing back strongly after a turbulent month in which he was forced to duck and flee from a crowd that hurled stones at him during a public address.
Footage of the incident in the Copperbelt province left citizens stunned, with many condemning the attack regardless of political allegiance. But with nine months until Zambia heads to the polls and Hichilema seeking a second term, tensions are rising.
In his first press briefing in a year and a half, the president defended his leadership, highlighting progress in stabilising the economy and improving power generation. He expressed deep concern about the hostility he has recently faced, saying the levels of anger were “shocking,” while urging unity and mutual respect among Zambians.
However, critics argue the president has drifted away from the ordinary citizen’s daily struggles. Opposition figure Simon Mwila, running for mayor of Lusaka, said frustration was boiling over as people feel disconnected from the promises made in 2021.
Academic and political analyst Dr Sishuwa Sishuwa has also accused Hichilema of becoming what he once opposed, arguing that his governance mirrors—if not exceeds—the authoritarian tendencies of his predecessor. Hichilema refutes this, citing his efforts to resolve Zambia’s inherited debt crisis and restore fiscal stability.
The backlash intensified on 8 November when Hichilema attempted to speak in Chingola, arriving with a cash contribution towards rebuilding a market destroyed by fire. Instead, an angry crowd disrupted the event, forcing him to abandon his speech. Police later arrested at least 27 people for violence, looting, and arson. The president blamed the unrest on illegal artisanal miners resisting the government’s crackdown on unregulated mining activities.
Hichilema swept to power in 2021 on a wave of frustration with soaring inflation, national debt, and power outages. Nicknamed “Bally” — slang for “father” — he campaigned on the promise to “fix” the country. Since then, inflation has eased, debt repayments have been renegotiated, and Zambia’s credit profile has improved.
Economist Trevor Hambayi says these are undeniable successes, highlighting improved investments in education, health, infrastructure, and essential public staffing. Inflation now sits below 12%, and the kwacha has strengthened after early-term losses. Yet, Hambayi notes persistent problems: a high cost of living, power shortages, and limited job opportunities.
The Jesuit Centre for Theological Reflection recently reported that many households remain unable to meet basic needs, despite slowing inflation. Food prices and essential goods continue to absorb the bulk of incomes, forcing families to reduce meal quality or skip meals entirely.
Hichilema attributes recent power issues to a devastating drought that exposed the risks of over-reliance on hydropower. He has announced plans to expand solar and thermal energy projects to prevent future crises.
As the election approaches, critics accuse the president of adopting policies he once condemned, including the Cybersecurity Law, which some argue enables state surveillance. Hichilema denies weaponising the law against political opponents, insisting that his administration upholds democratic principles.
He is also pushing for a constitutional review that would increase the number of constituencies, a move he once opposed when campaigning against former President Edgar Lungu. Hichilema now argues the change is constitutionally required every decade to ensure fair distribution of national resources.
With public frustration evident, the president is urging calm and patience, saying transformative development takes time. But as the stone-throwing incident suggests, many Zambians feel the pace of change has been too slow — and their patience is running out.