Zambia’s President Faces Stone-Throwing Anger Amid Challenges

Published: 27 November 2025 Thursday. The English Chronicle Desk. The English Chronicle Online

Zambia’s President Hakainde Hichilema has faced a tough month after being attacked by stone throwers while attempting to make a speech. Videos of him crouching and being whisked away from a rally in the Copperbelt province shocked the nation, drawing condemnation across political lines. With nine months until elections, the president now faces mounting pressure.

In his first press conference in 18 months, Hichilema defended his record, highlighting achievements in the economy and power generation. He said, “This level of hatred is shocking, you can see and even touch the venom,” while urging Zambians to love one another. However, critics argue his message may not resonate with citizens still struggling with daily hardships.

Opposition figures, like Lusaka mayoral candidate Simon Mwila, suggest the president has lost touch with the “real pulse of the people,” which may explain the public anger. Historian Sishuwa Sishuwa adds that Hichilema has diverged from the principles he once championed, though the president points to his success in managing Zambia’s debt crisis and stabilizing government finances.

Earlier in November, Hichilema had hoped for a warm reception in Chingola town while delivering $450,000 to rebuild a local market destroyed by fire. Instead, an angry crowd forced him to abandon his speech. Police reported looting and arrested 27 individuals for violence and arson. Hichilema accused illegal artisanal miners of causing unrest as the government cracks down on unregistered work.

Hichilema rose to power in 2021 after five unsuccessful presidential runs, winning a landslide victory over Edgar Lungu. At the time, Zambia faced high inflation, power blackouts, and a debt crisis. His campaign slogan, “Bally will fix it,” positioned him as the nation’s problem solver. Since then, debt repayments have been renegotiated, inflation reduced, and the mining sector stabilized.

Despite these gains, critics argue that unresolved issues, particularly the power crisis, high living costs, and unemployment, continue to affect ordinary citizens. Economist Trevor Hambayi praised the president’s financial reforms and investments in infrastructure, education, and health but acknowledged that many Zambians still struggle.

A report from the Jesuit Centre for Theological Reflection highlighted the strain on families, noting that high prices for essential goods force households to reduce food quality or skip meals. Hichilema acknowledged the energy challenges, emphasizing the government’s awareness of citizens’ frustrations.

With elections approaching in August 2026, the president faces the difficult task of balancing his achievements with public discontent. Stone-throwing incidents and growing unrest signal that progress alone may not satisfy the electorate, and Hichilema must address both economic recovery and the day-to-day struggles of ordinary Zambians.