No tolerance for anarchy – HH

CHOMBA MUSIKA
Lusaka

PRESIDENT Hakainde Hichilema has warned that he will not tolerate individuals seeking to promote anarchy, political violence or division through the use of militias.
Mr Hichilema said no one will be allowed to divide Zambia and warned that those found promoting anarchy or threatening the safety of citizens will face the law.
He was speaking yesterday when he met United Party for National Development (UPND) youths at Community House.
The President said he has information that some politicians want to form government through the use of militia, warning that Zambia has no room for armed groups masquerading as politicians. “You want to kill people using military weapons.
In this country, we will not allow militias, armed people masquerading as politicians,” Mr Hichilema said.
He also referred to former Nkana lawmaker Binwell Mpundu’s reported remarks that he was prepared to kill or die for the 2026 elections, questioning who the former lawmaker intended to kill.
“This country has no space for such people. You are the vanguard of such people. I will protect you,” Mr Hichilema said.
The President further criticised the self-declaration by a National Reconciliation Party for Unity and Prosperity (NRPUP) presidential candidate as winner of the election, saying only the Electoral Commission of Zambia (ECZ) has the authority to declare the winner.
Mr Hichilema said some individuals had allegedly started issuing “Gen 20” reports while vote counting was still underway, describing the conduct as an indication of an attempt to manipulate the election outcome.
He said politicians who propagated anarchy should not complain when the law eventually catches up with them. The President also urged youths to remain vigilant and reject efforts to divide the country along political lines, saying Zambia’s unity should remain protected. Meanwhile, Mr Hichilema announced that Government will introduce a special youth empowerment fund as part of this year’s national budget.
He said the fund will be separate from the Citizens Economic Empowerment Commission (CEEC) and will specifically target young people. “I will put it in the budget. It’s my decision. I am not talking about CEEC. I will put a special fund for the youths,” he said.