The president had travelled to the mining town to meet residents affected by a massive fire that recently destroyed Chiwempala Market. The visit was meant to reassure citizens and assess the extent of the damage.
However, what began as a peaceful engagement quickly turned chaotic when a group of rowdy individuals started throwing stones toward the podium where Hichilema was speaking.
Security personnel swiftly shielded the president and escorted him away before any harm occurred. No injuries were reported, but the dramatic incident sparked intense debate among Zambians about rising public anger and the country’s political direction.
According to Africa Publicity, tensions in Chingola had been growing for weeks as residents expressed frustration over economic challenges and the government’s handling of mining issues.
Security personnel swiftly shielded the president and escorted him away before any harm occurred. No injuries were reported, but the dramatic incident sparked intense debate among Zambians about rising public anger and the country’s political direction.
According to Africa Publicity, tensions in Chingola had been growing for weeks as residents expressed frustration over economic challenges and the government’s handling of mining issues.
The fire that gutted Chiwempala Market worsened the situation, leaving hundreds of traders without livelihoods.
President Hichilema, who came to power in 2021 after six unsuccessful attempts, has faced mounting criticism for not meeting his campaign promises.
President Hichilema, who came to power in 2021 after six unsuccessful attempts, has faced mounting criticism for not meeting his campaign promises.
Many Zambians accuse his administration of failing to tackle unemployment, high living costs, and delays in addressing concerns in the mining sector — a key pillar of the nation’s economy.
During the disrupted address, the president had just begun speaking when stones started flying toward the stage. Security agents quickly moved in, forming a protective shield around him. He was immediately driven away under tight security as the crowd continued shouting.
Later that evening, President Hichilema posted a statement on his Facebook page, choosing not to dwell on the attack.
During the disrupted address, the president had just begun speaking when stones started flying toward the stage. Security agents quickly moved in, forming a protective shield around him. He was immediately driven away under tight security as the crowd continued shouting.
Later that evening, President Hichilema posted a statement on his Facebook page, choosing not to dwell on the attack.
Instead, he assured the people of Chingola that his government was working tirelessly to address their grievances.
He wrote, “This afternoon we met our people in Chiwempala after the unfortunate market fire that destroyed their businesses.
He wrote, “This afternoon we met our people in Chiwempala after the unfortunate market fire that destroyed their businesses.
They also raised serious concerns about mining operations and their desire to continue mining at Senseli. The message is loud and clear — we will work round the clock to provide lasting solutions lawfully.”
Observers noted that the president’s calm response was an attempt to defuse tension and show leadership during a difficult moment.
Observers noted that the president’s calm response was an attempt to defuse tension and show leadership during a difficult moment.
Still, opposition voices argue that the incident reflects growing dissatisfaction across Zambia’s mining towns and informal trading hubs.
The event has also raised questions about the strength of Zambia’s presidential security system. Critics say the attack could have been prevented if proper crowd control measures had been put in place before the visit.
Political analysts believe the stone-throwing episode is a sign of how economic hardship and political frustration can quickly boil over, even in areas that once strongly supported the president.
“The people are frustrated because they feel promises are not being fulfilled fast enough. Incidents like this are a message that the government must reconnect with citizens,” said a Lusaka-based political commentator.
This is not the first time a sitting president in Africa has faced hostility during a public event. In Kenya, President William Ruto narrowly escaped injury earlier this year when he was hit with a shoe during a political rally in Migori County.
The event has also raised questions about the strength of Zambia’s presidential security system. Critics say the attack could have been prevented if proper crowd control measures had been put in place before the visit.
Political analysts believe the stone-throwing episode is a sign of how economic hardship and political frustration can quickly boil over, even in areas that once strongly supported the president.
“The people are frustrated because they feel promises are not being fulfilled fast enough. Incidents like this are a message that the government must reconnect with citizens,” said a Lusaka-based political commentator.
This is not the first time a sitting president in Africa has faced hostility during a public event. In Kenya, President William Ruto narrowly escaped injury earlier this year when he was hit with a shoe during a political rally in Migori County.
The incident forced his security detail to pause the event briefly before he continued his speech.
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