By Jean-Pierre A.
Renowned African governance advocate and philanthropist Mo Ibrahim has issued a pointed warning to Zambia’s re-elected President Hakainde Hichilema, urging him not to allow the political controversies surrounding the August presidential election to undermine the achievements of his first term or Zambia’s long-standing democratic reputation.
“Mr President, your first mandate was defined by progress. Do not waste what you have achieved,” Ibrahim said in a statement released on Wednesday, August 26, as concerns mounted over arrests of opposition figures, the killing of a former minister and the closure of the country’s top courts at a critical moment in the post-election process.
Hichilema secured a second five-year term after the Electoral Commission of Zambia declared him winner of the August 13 presidential election with about 60.7 percent of the vote. His main challenger, Brian Mundubile, received about 38 percent and rejected the outcome, alleging serious irregularities in the conduct, counting, transmission and declaration of results.
The controversy deepened when Zambia’s top courts, including the Constitutional Court, were closed on August 24, the final day for filing a legal challenge to the presidential election result. Authorities cited security concerns, but the timing of the closure drew criticism from opposition groups, civil society and human rights advocates who argued that it effectively prevented access to a constitutional avenue for challenging the result.
For Ibrahim, founder of the Mo Ibrahim Foundation and one of Africa’s most prominent voices on governance and accountable leadership, the developments risk tarnishing Zambia’s reputation as one of the continent’s more resilient democracies.
“We are watching post-presidential election developments in Zambia with deep concern,” Ibrahim said, stressing that the credibility of a democracy cannot be measured by elections alone. “Elections are of course a key test of democracy. But the test extends beyond what happens at the ballot box.”
Ibrahim pointed specifically to the arrests of opposition figures, the killing of former minister Mutotwe Kafwaya and the suspension of vote counting during the election process as developments that should have no place in a functioning democracy. The post-election atmosphere has been particularly tense, with Mundubile and his allies rejecting government allegations linking opposition figures to threats against national security.
“The arbitrary arrest of opposition members; the killing of a former minister; and the suspension of vote counting: these should never happen in a true democracy,” Ibrahim said. He was equally critical of the court closures, saying the decision to shut Zambia’s top judicial institutions shortly before the deadline for challenging the result “only adds to the mess.”
The warning carries particular significance given Zambia’s democratic history. Since the return of multiparty politics in 1991, the Southern African country has experienced competitive elections and peaceful transfers of presidential power, including Hichilema’s own victory over incumbent Edgar Lungu in 2021.
“Zambia has a proud legacy of competitive elections, peaceful transfers of power and respect for constitutional processes,” Ibrahim said. “This legacy was built over decades. It has been showcased as a model to follow.”
Hichilema came to power in 2021 with strong expectations of economic and democratic renewal after years in opposition. His first term saw Zambia make progress in restructuring its debt, restoring relations with international lenders and attracting renewed investor interest, particularly in the mining sector. His government has pointed to the economic turnaround as evidence that the country is moving in the right direction, although high living costs and persistent economic pressures remain concerns for many Zambians.
It is precisely that record Ibrahim fears could now be overshadowed by the post-election political crisis. His intervention effectively frames Hichilema’s second term as a test not only of his economic stewardship but also of his commitment to the democratic principles that helped bring him to power.
International concern has also grown over the treatment of opposition figures. UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Türk expressed concern following reports of arrests and detention of political opponents, calling on Zambian authorities to end arbitrary arrests and ensure due process for those detained. The UN rights office said detainees must be informed of the reasons for their arrest, have access to legal representation and their families, be treated humanely and be brought promptly before a judge.
Human Rights Watch has similarly criticised the court closures, arguing that shutting judicial institutions precisely when election challenges were due undermined access to justice, transparency and due process. Under Zambia’s Constitution, challenges to a presidential election must be filed within seven days of the declaration of results.
As Hichilema prepares for another five years in office, Ibrahim’s message places the question of legacy squarely before the Zambian leader. Economic progress, investment and macroeconomic recovery may strengthen a presidency, but Ibrahim argues that democratic institutions, political tolerance and respect for constitutional processes will ultimately be just as important in determining how Hichilema’s leadership is remembered.
“Mr President: Your own legacy could be just as strong,” Ibrahim said. But he warned that democratic reputations are neither permanent nor guaranteed. “No legacy can be taken for granted. It must be protected and strengthened from one mandate to the next.”
His final warning was unmistakable: “It would be a waste and a shame for it all to crumble now.”
