Chingola, November 28, 2025
On November 8, 2025, Zambian President Hakainde Hichilema was forced to abandon a public speech at Chiwempala Market in Chingola after an angry crowd pelted him with stones, reflecting widespread frustration amid economic instability and upcoming elections.
Incident Overview
During a public address in Chingola, located in Zambia’s Copperbelt province, President Hichilema faced unexpected hostility when a crowd threw stones, compelling security personnel to evacuate him swiftly for safety. The location, Chiwempala Market, had recently been a flashpoint due to a fire and ongoing mining disputes, which likely contributed to heightened tensions. Following the president’s departure, unrest escalated with protesters setting fire to a police vehicle and damaging property.
Security and Police Response
The Zambia Police Service classified the event as riots and arson, quickly responding by arresting two suspects linked to the disturbance. Security forces prioritized the president’s safe exit, underscoring the volatility of the situation and the challenge of managing public discontent during fragile times.
Economic and Political Context
This violent episode underscores the deep-rooted frustration amongst Zambians over the worsening economic conditions, which include high inflation rates, rising unemployment, and instability in the mining sector—critical to the country’s economy. These hardships have fueled public anger and eroded trust in President Hichilema, often regarded as a “fix-it” president given his background as an economist and businessman. However, expectations for rapid economic recovery have not materialized as hoped.
With general elections scheduled for August 13, 2026, political tensions in Zambia are mounting. The incident in Chingola serves as an early warning sign about possible further unrest, signaling challenges not only for Zambia’s governance but also for regional stability in Southern Africa.
Official Statements
President Hichilema condemned the violence, describing it as “lawlessness” and an expression of “hatred.” He urged the public to pursue peaceful methods to articulate grievances and accused opposition elements, which he described as “party thugs,” of orchestrating the unrest to destabilize the nation ahead of the elections.
Regional and International Concerns
The Chingola unrest has attracted attention beyond Zambia’s borders. Regional partners, including Kenya, have expressed concern over the implications for Southern Africa’s security and trade environments, given Zambia’s strategic role in regional commerce. Furthermore, international election observers and regional bodies are monitoring the developments closely, interpreting the attack as indicative of broader hurdles facing Zambia’s democratic processes and economic recovery efforts.
As Zambia moves closer to its elections amid these challenges, the government will need to balance immediate security measures with substantive political and economic reforms. The incident at Chiwempala Market vividly illustrates the fragile state of public confidence and the critical necessity for transparent governance to restore stability and foster renewed hope for the future.