Hichilema sworn in for second term

Zambia's President Hakainde Hichilema was sworn in for a second term on September 1, 2026, after winning the August 13 election with 60% of the vote. The main opposition leader, Brian Mundubile, who came second with 38%, was in jail on treason charges during the ceremony. The election was marred by allegations of intimidation, pro-government bias, and restrictions on the opposition. Mundubile went into hiding after security forces raided his home on August 14, and he and his running mate Makebi Zulu surrendered later and were charged with treason, which they deny. Hichilema's first term was credited with an economic turnaround, including lower inflation and growing reserves, but critics say growth has not reached ordinary households. Zambia remains Africa's second-largest copper producer, with copper generating about 70% of export earnings and China as a major investor and largest bilateral creditor.