Zambia's President Hakainde Hichilema during his swearing-in ceremony for a second term at National Heroes Stadium in Lusaka, Zambia on September 1, 2026.
Zambian President Hakainde Hichilema is facing mounting accusations of democratic backsliding and political repression after his re-election in August 2026, potentially tarnishing his international reputation as a champion of economic reform.
The Mo Ibrahim Foundation says Mr Hichilema has put Zambia’s democratic tradition of competitive, peaceful elections at risk by targeting rivals and preventing them from challenging alleged electoral fraud.
