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The '''[[President Lungu]] and [[Hichilema]] Saga''' began was a number of events that took place after the [[2016 general elections]] and after the an [[Election petition]] was thrown out where [[UPND]] president and his running-mate challenged that the election was stolen from them.
The '''[[Edgar Lungu|Lungu]] and [[Hichilema]] Saga''' refers to a series of political events and disputes that followed the [[2016 general elections]] in Zambia, after the [[election petition]] filed by the [[UPND]] president and his running mate was dismissed by the Constitutional Court.


==Background==
==Background==
After president [[Michael Sata]] [[died in office]] Lungu's victory over [[UPND]] President [[Hakainde Hichilema]] in the [[Zambian presidential election, 2015|2015 presidential election]]<ref>{{cite news|title=President Edgar Lungu’s Inauguration in Pictures|url=https://www.lusakatimes.com/2015/01/25/president-edgar-lungus/inauguration-pictures/|publisher=Lusaka Times|accessdate=9 September 2016|author=Admin |date=25 January 2015}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|title=Lungu declared President|url=http://www.zambiawatchdog.com/lungu-declared-president/|publisher=Zambia Watchdog|accessdate=9 September 2016|author=Admin |date=25 January 2015}}</ref> Hichilema denounced the elections as a sham and urged his supporters to remain calm<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/africaandindianocean/zambia/11367373/Zambia-opposition-cries-foul-as-Lungu-wins-presidential-election.html |title=Zambia opposition cries foul as Lungu wins presidential election |date=24 January 2015 |work= The Daily Telegraph |website= |accessdate=25 January 2015}}</ref><ref name="Hichilema">{{cite web |url=http://hh-zambia.com/blog/edgar-lungu-steals-election/ |title=Edgar Lungu steals election |last1=Hichilema |first1=Hakainde |date=24 January 2015 |website=hh-zambia.com |accessdate=25 January 2015}}</ref>.
Following the death of president [[Michael Sata]], Edgar Lungu won the [[Zambian presidential election, 2015|2015 presidential election]] against [[UPND]] leader [[Hakainde Hichilema]].<ref>https://www.lusakatimes.com/2015/01/25/president-edgar-lungus-inauguration-pictures/ Lusaka Times, 25 January 2015</ref><ref>http://www.zambiawatchdog.com/lungu-declared-president/ Zambia Watchdog, 25 January 2015</ref> Hichilema disputed the outcome, describing the election as unfair and calling on his supporters to remain calm.<ref>http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/africaandindianocean/zambia/11367373/Zambia-opposition-cries-foul-as-Lungu-wins-presidential-election.html The Daily Telegraph, 24 January 2015</ref><ref>http://hh-zambia.com/blog/edgar-lungu-steals-election/ hh-zambia.com, 24 January 2015</ref>
However during President  Lungu's
[[Presidency of Edgar Lungu | presidency]] in 2015 he signed a new constitution which brought about the 50+1 voting system and chance that anyone can challenge the election results if they felt that the election was rigged they could file in an [[election petition]].


After the announcement of the [[Zambian general election, 2016| 2016 general election]] results was made Mr Hichilema and his running mate challenged the election results on the grounds that it was rigged. On 5 September The Constitutional Court dismissed the petition against the election of President Edgar Lungu by  United Party for National Development  leader Hakainde Hichilema and his running mate Geoffrey Bwalya Mwamba on grounds that its mandate lapsed at 23:59 on Friday<ref name=ZD>{{cite web|title=Presidential election petition dismissed |url=http://zambianeye.com/archives/51637|publisher=Zambian Eye |accessdate= 23 August 2016}}</ref>.
During President Lungu’s [[Presidency of Edgar Lungu|presidency]] in 2015, a new constitution was enacted introducing the 50+1 voting requirement and the provision for election results to be challenged in court through an [[election petition]].
 
After the [[Zambian general election, 2016|2016 general election]], Hichilema and his running mate filed a petition alleging electoral irregularities. On 5 September 2016, the Constitutional Court dismissed the petition, stating that its mandate had lapsed when the 14-day period provided by law expired.<ref>http://zambianeye.com/archives/51637 Zambian Eye, 23 August 2016</ref>


==The Events==
==The Events==
After the petition was thrown out the [[UPND]] leader and a few of his followers refused to recognize Mr Lungu as [[president of Zambia]] saying that justice was robbed from them.
Following the dismissal of the petition, Hichilema and members of the UPND stated that they did not recognize President Lungu as the legitimately elected head of state.


===The Boycott===
===The Boycott===
On 30th September 2016 all the 58 Members of Parliament from the opposition UPND stayed away from the ceremonial state opening of Parliament<ref name=ZDA>{{cite web|title= UPND MPs Are Out Of Order |url= https://zambiareports.com/2017/03/19/opinion-upnd-mps-order/ |publisher= Peter Adamu |accessdate= 14 April 2017}}</ref>. Only PF MPs, one from FDD and those from the Independent Parliamentary were present in the House. After it became visible that the UPND MPs would not attend the session, some PF MPs moved from their traditional right to occupy the seats on the left which were to be held by UPND MPs<ref name=ZDX>{{cite web|title=UPND boycotts opening of Parliament |url= https://www.lusakatimes.com/2016/09/30/upnd-boycotts-opening-parliament/ |publisher= Lusaka Times |accessdate= 14 April 2017}}</ref>.
On 30 September 2016, all 58 UPND Members of Parliament boycotted the ceremonial state opening of Parliament.<ref>https://zambiareports.com/2017/03/19/opinion-upnd-mps-order/ Zambia Reports, 19 March 2017</ref><ref>https://www.lusakatimes.com/2016/09/30/upnd-boycotts-opening-parliament/ Lusaka Times, 30 September 2016</ref> A leaked letter signed by UPND Secretary General [[Stephen Katuka]] indicated that disciplinary measures would be taken against any MP who attended the sitting. The letter also reiterated the party’s stance that the matter of the 2016 elections was unresolved.<ref>https://www.lusakatimes.com/2017/03/17/upnd-punish-mp-attended-lungus-parliament-address/ Lusaka Times, 17 March 2017</ref>
In a leaked letter which was signed by UPND Secreatary general Mr [[Stephen Katuka]], saying that the party will take disciplinary measures against any MP that participates in the seating addressed by
 
President [[Edgar Lungu]]. The letter also goes on to say that they did not recognize [[President Lungu]] as the [[president of Zambia]].<ref name=ZDU>{{cite web|title=UPND to Punish the MP who attended Lungu’s Parliament address |url= https://www.lusakatimes.com/2017/03/17/upnd-punish-mp-attended-lungus-parliament-address/ |publisher=Lusaka Times |accessdate= 14 April 2017}}</ref>The letter further said that the petition to resolve the theft of votes and declaration of Mr Hakainde Hichilema as elected president is still in courts.
On 22 December 2016, Parliament ruled that 54 UPND MPs who had boycotted the opening were in breach of procedure. Speaker [[Patrick Matibini]] reprimanded the MPs, who later apologised to the House.<ref>https://www.lusakatimes.com/2016/10/07/boycotting-opening-parliament-grave-matter-speaker/ Lusaka Times, 7 October 2016</ref>
 
===Kuomboka Ceremony===
On 8 April 2017, during the [[Kuomboka]] Ceremony in [[Mongu]], President Lungu’s motorcade and that of Hichilema met along the Mongu–Limulunga road. Reports indicated that Hichilema’s convoy did not give way to the presidential motorcade, leading to a standoff before the President’s convoy overtook. Security presence was high at the event, with reports of over 600 police officers deployed.<ref>https://www.lusakatimes.com/2017/04/07/600-police-officers-kuomboka-ceremony-creates-war-zone-impression-mulongoti/ Lusaka Times, 7 April 2017</ref>
 
===The Midnight Raid===
Shortly after the Kuomboka incident, police conducted a midnight raid at Hichilema’s residence. Reports stated that tear gas was used during the operation, and property was searched. Accounts differed, with opposition sources alleging mistreatment and loss of property, while police described the operation as lawful and necessary.


On December 22, 2016 Parliament had ruled that 54 UPND Members of Parliament who boycotted President Edgar Lungu’s address to the House were in breach of parliamentary procedures and privileges and so the Speaker of the House [[Patrick Matibini]] had reprimanded the parliamentarians and ordered them to stand behind the bar and apologise to the house for their behaviour<ref name=ZPU>{{cite web|title=UPND MPs Apologise to Parliament for Missing President Lungu’s opening of Parliament|url= https://www.lusakatimes.com/2017/03/17/upnd-punish-mp-attended-lungus-parliament-address/ |publisher=Lusaka Times |accessdate= 14 April 2017}}</ref><ref name=ZPM>{{cite web|title= Boycotting opening of parliament a grave matter – Speaker |url= https://www.lusakatimes.com/2016/10/07/boycotting-opening-parliament-grave-matter-speaker/ |publisher=Lusaka Times |accessdate= 14 April 2017}}</ref>.
===Treason Charge===
Hichilema was subsequently arrested and charged with treason,<ref>http://www.aljazeera.com/video/news/2017/05/zambia-considers-treason-charge-opposition-leader-hichilema-170522055830354.html Al Jazeera, 22 May 2017</ref> along with related offences under the Penal Code, including disobedience of lawful orders and use of insulting language, according to Inspector General of Police [[Kakoma Kanganja]].<ref>https://zambiareports.com/2017/04/12/police-formally-slap-hichilema-treason-4-charges-mongu-fracas/ Zambia Reports, 12 April 2017</ref>


===Kuomboka Ceremony Saga===
====Reactions====
On the 8th of April 2017 President Lungu's  Motorcade
The UPND described the charges as politically motivated and called for Hichilema’s release.<ref>http://www.africanews.com/2017/05/04/zambia-opposition-leader-hakainde-hichilema-in-court-over-treason/ African News, 4 May 2017</ref> Vice President of the UPND, [[Geoffrey Mwamba]], stated that Hichilema was not driving the vehicle alleged to have obstructed the President, and characterised the arrest as pre-planned.<ref>https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2017-04-13/zambia-opposition-demands-release-of-leader-charged-with-treason Bloomberg, 13 April 2017</ref>
and Mr Hichilema's Motorcade shared the [[Mongu]]-[[Limulunga]] road during the [[Kuomboka|
Kuomboka Ceremony]]. President Lungu's motorcade was obstructed by Mr Hichilema's convoy because they had refused to give way to the presidential motorcade to pass.


The two motor convoys went side by side for some seconds before the presidential motorcade finally over took Mr Hichilema's convoy. Upon reaching the gate President Lungu's motorcade went in for the ceremony and Mr Hichilema's was convoy was locked that they arrived late for the ceremony.
Internationally, the U.S. government and the European Union expressed concern about the rising political tension and urged calm.<ref>https://eeas.europa.eu/headquarters/headquarters-homepage_de/24685 Statement by the EU, 13 April 2017</ref>


With over 600 police depolyed at the ceremony the entrance  was heavily guarded by armed police officers  to  deny Mr Hichilema and his followers from entering and attend the ceremony.
==Later Developments==


===The Midnight Raid===
===2021 General Election===
On 12 August 2021, Hakainde Hichilema defeated Edgar Lungu in the [[2021 Zambian general election]], securing a landslide victory.<ref>https://www.reuters.com/world/africa/zambias-hichilema-wins-landslide-defeat-president-lungu-2021-08-16/ Reuters, 16 August 2021</ref> On 16 August, President Lungu publicly conceded defeat and congratulated Hichilema. Hichilema was inaugurated as the 7th president of Zambia on 24 August 2021.<ref>https://www.bbc.com/news/world-africa-58238808 BBC News, 24 August 2021</ref>
 
===Reforms and Governance===
Hichilema’s government prioritised economic recovery, anti-corruption measures, and the restoration of democratic norms. His administration also pursued reforms in public finance, debt management, and institutional accountability.<ref>https://africanarguments.org/2021/09/the-three-key-challenges-facing-the-hopeful-new-president/ African Arguments, 2 September 2021</ref>
 
===Constitutional Court Ruling===
In December 2024, the Constitutional Court of Zambia ruled that Edgar Lungu was ineligible to contest the 2026 presidential elections, having already served two terms, including the partial term that followed the death of President Michael Sata.<ref>https://apnews.com/article/zambia-president-lungu-constitution-court-2024 AP News, December 2024</ref>
 
===Death of Edgar Lungu===
On 5 June 2025, Edgar Lungu died in South Africa while receiving medical treatment.<ref>https://apnews.com/article/zambia-ex-president-edgar-lungu-dies-2025 AP News, 5 June 2025</ref> His death triggered a dispute between his family and the Zambian government over his burial. While his family sought a private ceremony, the government insisted on a state funeral at [[Embassy Park Presidential Burial Site]] in Lusaka. The disagreement led to a legal case in South Africa concerning the repatriation of his remains. On 8 August 2025, the High Court of South Africa ruled in favour of the Zambian government, ordering that Lungu’s body be returned to Zambia for burial with state honours.<ref>https://www.reuters.com/world/africa/south-african-court-orders-return-zambia-lungu-remains-2025 Reuters, 8 August 2025</ref>


==Also See==
==See also==
* [[Zambian presidential election, 2015]]
* [[Zambian presidential election, 2015]]
* [[ Zambian general election, 2016]]
* [[Zambian general election, 2016]]
* [[ 2016 Zambian presidential election petition]]
* [[2016 Zambian presidential election petition]]
* [[2021 Zambian general election]]


==References==
==References==
{{reflist|30em}}
{{reflist|4}}
 
 
{{Zambia general elections, 2016}}


[[Category:2016 in Zambia]]
[[Category:2016 in Zambia]]
[[Category:2016 in Zambian politics]]
[[Category:2016 in Zambian politics]]
[[Category:2017 in Zambia]]
[[Category:2017 in Zambian politics]]
[[Category:2021 in Zambia]]
[[Category:2021 in Zambian politics]]
[[Category:2024 in Zambia]]
[[Category:2024 in Zambian politics]]
[[Category:2025 in Zambia]]
[[Category:2025 in Zambian politics]]

Latest revision as of 08:09, 13 September 2025

The Lungu and Hichilema Saga refers to a series of political events and disputes that followed the 2016 general elections in Zambia, after the election petition filed by the UPND president and his running mate was dismissed by the Constitutional Court.

Background

Following the death of president Michael Sata, Edgar Lungu won the 2015 presidential election against UPND leader Hakainde Hichilema.[1][2] Hichilema disputed the outcome, describing the election as unfair and calling on his supporters to remain calm.[3][4]

During President Lungu’s presidency in 2015, a new constitution was enacted introducing the 50+1 voting requirement and the provision for election results to be challenged in court through an election petition.

After the 2016 general election, Hichilema and his running mate filed a petition alleging electoral irregularities. On 5 September 2016, the Constitutional Court dismissed the petition, stating that its mandate had lapsed when the 14-day period provided by law expired.[5]

The Events

Following the dismissal of the petition, Hichilema and members of the UPND stated that they did not recognize President Lungu as the legitimately elected head of state.

The Boycott

On 30 September 2016, all 58 UPND Members of Parliament boycotted the ceremonial state opening of Parliament.[6][7] A leaked letter signed by UPND Secretary General Stephen Katuka indicated that disciplinary measures would be taken against any MP who attended the sitting. The letter also reiterated the party’s stance that the matter of the 2016 elections was unresolved.[8]

On 22 December 2016, Parliament ruled that 54 UPND MPs who had boycotted the opening were in breach of procedure. Speaker Patrick Matibini reprimanded the MPs, who later apologised to the House.[9]

Kuomboka Ceremony

On 8 April 2017, during the Kuomboka Ceremony in Mongu, President Lungu’s motorcade and that of Hichilema met along the Mongu–Limulunga road. Reports indicated that Hichilema’s convoy did not give way to the presidential motorcade, leading to a standoff before the President’s convoy overtook. Security presence was high at the event, with reports of over 600 police officers deployed.[10]

The Midnight Raid

Shortly after the Kuomboka incident, police conducted a midnight raid at Hichilema’s residence. Reports stated that tear gas was used during the operation, and property was searched. Accounts differed, with opposition sources alleging mistreatment and loss of property, while police described the operation as lawful and necessary.

Treason Charge

Hichilema was subsequently arrested and charged with treason,[11] along with related offences under the Penal Code, including disobedience of lawful orders and use of insulting language, according to Inspector General of Police Kakoma Kanganja.[12]

Reactions

The UPND described the charges as politically motivated and called for Hichilema’s release.[13] Vice President of the UPND, Geoffrey Mwamba, stated that Hichilema was not driving the vehicle alleged to have obstructed the President, and characterised the arrest as pre-planned.[14]

Internationally, the U.S. government and the European Union expressed concern about the rising political tension and urged calm.[15]

Later Developments

2021 General Election

On 12 August 2021, Hakainde Hichilema defeated Edgar Lungu in the 2021 Zambian general election, securing a landslide victory.[16] On 16 August, President Lungu publicly conceded defeat and congratulated Hichilema. Hichilema was inaugurated as the 7th president of Zambia on 24 August 2021.[17]

Reforms and Governance

Hichilema’s government prioritised economic recovery, anti-corruption measures, and the restoration of democratic norms. His administration also pursued reforms in public finance, debt management, and institutional accountability.[18]

Constitutional Court Ruling

In December 2024, the Constitutional Court of Zambia ruled that Edgar Lungu was ineligible to contest the 2026 presidential elections, having already served two terms, including the partial term that followed the death of President Michael Sata.[19]

Death of Edgar Lungu

On 5 June 2025, Edgar Lungu died in South Africa while receiving medical treatment.[20] His death triggered a dispute between his family and the Zambian government over his burial. While his family sought a private ceremony, the government insisted on a state funeral at Embassy Park Presidential Burial Site in Lusaka. The disagreement led to a legal case in South Africa concerning the repatriation of his remains. On 8 August 2025, the High Court of South Africa ruled in favour of the Zambian government, ordering that Lungu’s body be returned to Zambia for burial with state honours.[21]

See also

References

  1. ↑ https://www.lusakatimes.com/2015/01/25/president-edgar-lungus-inauguration-pictures/ Lusaka Times, 25 January 2015
  2. ↑ http://www.zambiawatchdog.com/lungu-declared-president/ Zambia Watchdog, 25 January 2015
  3. ↑ http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/africaandindianocean/zambia/11367373/Zambia-opposition-cries-foul-as-Lungu-wins-presidential-election.html The Daily Telegraph, 24 January 2015
  4. ↑ http://hh-zambia.com/blog/edgar-lungu-steals-election/ hh-zambia.com, 24 January 2015
  5. ↑ http://zambianeye.com/archives/51637 Zambian Eye, 23 August 2016
  6. ↑ https://zambiareports.com/2017/03/19/opinion-upnd-mps-order/ Zambia Reports, 19 March 2017
  7. ↑ https://www.lusakatimes.com/2016/09/30/upnd-boycotts-opening-parliament/ Lusaka Times, 30 September 2016
  8. ↑ https://www.lusakatimes.com/2017/03/17/upnd-punish-mp-attended-lungus-parliament-address/ Lusaka Times, 17 March 2017
  9. ↑ https://www.lusakatimes.com/2016/10/07/boycotting-opening-parliament-grave-matter-speaker/ Lusaka Times, 7 October 2016
  10. ↑ https://www.lusakatimes.com/2017/04/07/600-police-officers-kuomboka-ceremony-creates-war-zone-impression-mulongoti/ Lusaka Times, 7 April 2017
  11. ↑ http://www.aljazeera.com/video/news/2017/05/zambia-considers-treason-charge-opposition-leader-hichilema-170522055830354.html Al Jazeera, 22 May 2017
  12. ↑ https://zambiareports.com/2017/04/12/police-formally-slap-hichilema-treason-4-charges-mongu-fracas/ Zambia Reports, 12 April 2017
  13. ↑ http://www.africanews.com/2017/05/04/zambia-opposition-leader-hakainde-hichilema-in-court-over-treason/ African News, 4 May 2017
  14. ↑ https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2017-04-13/zambia-opposition-demands-release-of-leader-charged-with-treason Bloomberg, 13 April 2017
  15. ↑ https://eeas.europa.eu/headquarters/headquarters-homepage_de/24685 Statement by the EU, 13 April 2017
  16. ↑ https://www.reuters.com/world/africa/zambias-hichilema-wins-landslide-defeat-president-lungu-2021-08-16/ Reuters, 16 August 2021
  17. ↑ https://www.bbc.com/news/world-africa-58238808 BBC News, 24 August 2021
  18. ↑ https://africanarguments.org/2021/09/the-three-key-challenges-facing-the-hopeful-new-president/ African Arguments, 2 September 2021
  19. ↑ https://apnews.com/article/zambia-president-lungu-constitution-court-2024 AP News, December 2024
  20. ↑ https://apnews.com/article/zambia-ex-president-edgar-lungu-dies-2025 AP News, 5 June 2025
  21. ↑ https://www.reuters.com/world/africa/south-african-court-orders-return-zambia-lungu-remains-2025 Reuters, 8 August 2025
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