Hichilema Pushes Back as Stone-Throwing Protests Erupt in Zambia

Zambia:  Zambian President Hakainde Hichilema is fighting to regain the narrative after a “bruising month” culminated in him being whisked away from a rally in the Copperbelt province by stone-throwing protestors. The violent confrontation underscores the growing public frustration facing the leader who swept into power in 2021 on the promise, “Bally will fix it.”

In his first press conference in 18 months, Hichilema hit back at the criticism, lamenting the “level of hatred” while detailing his administration’s key achievements in stabilizing the nation’s financial health.

Hichilema inherited a country that had defaulted on its debts, with annual inflation touching 25%. His record in fixing the “huge debt mountain” is seen by economist Trevor Hambayi as an “overriding success story.”

Debt & Finances: Debt repayments have been successfully renegotiated, improving Zambia’s credit rating and attracting foreign investment.

Inflation: Annual inflation has fallen significantly to just below 12%, and the currency, the kwacha, has recently strengthened.

However, these macroeconomic successes are not translating into relief for all citizens. Opposition figures and analysts argue the President has lost touch with “the real pulse of the people.”

According to Hambayi, the lack of gratitude stems from the administration’s failure to solve the power crisis, coupled with the “high cost of living and the lack of employment opportunities.” The Lusaka-based Jesuit Centre for Theological Reflection notes that despite eased inflation, “many families still cannot meet basic needs without reducing food quality or skipping meals.”

Hichilema blamed a drought for “decapitating” Zambia’s reliance on hydroelectricity but promised new solar and thermal energy projects, urging the public to have patience for long-term solutions.