Mnangagwa, Ruto Hail Zambia’s Democracy, Urge Unity after Elections

Zimbabwean President Emmerson Mnangagwa and Kenyan President William Ruto have congratulated President Hakainde Hichilema on his re-election, while calling for continued unity and stronger regional cooperation as Zambia begins a new five-year term.

Speaking at President Hichilema’s inauguration in Lusaka, President Mnangagwa described Zambia and Zimbabwe as longstanding brothers, pledging continued cooperation between the two countries in pursuit of shared development goals.

He has commended Zambia for supporting Zimbabwe’s successful bid for a non-permanent seat on the United Nations Security Council for the 2027–2028 term, and called on African countries to take greater responsibility for their own development, modernisation and industrialisation.

President Ruto, meanwhile, has placed emphasis on national unity after elections, saying democracy is not tested when people agree, but when they disagree.

He has urged President Hichilema to govern for all Zambians both those who voted for him and those who did not, stressing that elections should determine who governs, but should never determine who belongs to the nation.

By Victoria Kayeye Yambani/ Darius Choonya