2025 Chingola Stone-throwing Incident
| Date | 8 November 2025 |
|---|---|
| Type | Public disturbance; riot |
| Cause | Public frustration over artisanal mining restrictions |
| Participants | Civilians, security personnel |
| Outcome | President evacuated; destruction of property; arrests |
| Arrest(s) | 2 |
The 2025 Chingola Stone-throwing Incident was a violent public disturbance that took place on 8 November 2025 at the Chiwempala Market in Chingola, Copperbelt Province, during a visit by President Hakainde Hichilema. The unrest led to the President being evacuated and caused significant destruction of public property.
Background
Chingola is a major mining town in the Copperbelt Province. The area surrounding Chiwempala has been a hotspot for tensions related to small-scale (artisanal) copper mining, particularly near the Senseli mining area. In the months preceding the incident, local youths involved in artisanal mining expressed frustration over government restrictions that deemed their operations illegal, limiting their primary source of livelihood.
The President's visit coincided with the market recovering from a recent fire.
The Disturbance
During the visit, President Hichilema was addressing a crowd when a group of individuals began chanting "Senseli, Senseli!" and started throwing stones at the podium. Security personnel evacuated the President promptly. The unrest escalated into a riot, during which an irate mob reportedly set ablaze a police vehicle, the presidential holding tent, and other properties.
Aftermath and Reactions
- Arrests: Police confirmed the arrest of two suspects in connection with the riot and arson.
- Government Response: Copperbelt Province Minister Elisha Matambo condemned the violence and pledged support for market traders affected by the earlier fire, vowing to restore peace and order.
- Political Reaction: Opposition parties and political analysts criticized the incident, suggesting it reflected growing public disappointment and deeper economic and social tensions in mining regions.
- Analysis: The incident was widely seen as a major security lapse and a test of the government's ability to manage public sentiment in economically distressed areas.
