Yesterday, President Hichilema took office as the seventh
Zambian President at the giant National Heroes Stadium in Lusaka with his
Vice-President Mutale Halumango being sworn in by Acting Chief Justice Michael
Musonda.
The 90 000-seater stadium was filled to the brim, with the
overflow crowd following proceedings outside the main arena on giant screens in
true spirit of One Zambia, One Nation. President Mnangagwa was among the 10
heads of state and government who witnessed the ceremony, in a show of unity
and togetherness.
Soon after the inauguration, President Hichilema followed
President Mnangagwa to his hotel where they held a 30-minute closed-door
bilateral meeting, focusing on trade and relations between the two countries
that can be traced back over a century through the decolonisation process, the
liberation struggle where Zambia used to provide training and sanctuary to
nationalists, and the subsequent formation of Sadc and building of close
relations.
“We had a long meeting where we shared our relations and
history. We agreed to resuscitate our joint commissions between our two countries.
I am happy President Hichilema showed that he is very focused to make sure that
we implement those issues for the benefit of our people,’’ President Mnangagwa
said later.
In 2018, Zambia and Zimbabwe signed four bilateral
agreements to enhance co-operation, cultural exchange and boost trade.
These included the establishment of a one-stop border post
at Victoria Falls to enhance tourism and trade through efficient movement of
goods and people within Comesa and Sadc, an agreement on the management and
preservation of Zimbabwe liberation war gravesites, a cultural exchange
agreement, and an agreement on gender equity and equality and women
empowerment.
The President also commended Zambians for demonstrating
maturity in democracy.
“Today we have witnessed the inauguration of the seventh
Executive President of Zambia but this is the third republic because they had
some leaders who came from the same political parties.
“But now we see the transferring of power from one
political party to another different party. It brings about a new approach in
government and this lesson from Zambia is critically important to show the
entire world that we embrace the democratic process of transferring power in
Sadc.’’
President Mnangagwa also criticised Western allies for
interfering in the democratic processes of African countries.
“I can mention that as Sadc region we are more civilised.
For example, when President Biden was inaugurated this year in January, Donald
Trump boycotted. But here we see Edgar Lungu accepting defeat and agreeing to
the transfer of power and giving instruments of power to the incoming
President. This shows how much democracy has matured in our region compared to
Western countries which want to teach us the democracy that they don’t practise,”
he said.
In his inauguration speech, President Hichilema said his
administration will give equal opportunity to all Zambians, and pledged to
ensure all citizens enjoy their freedoms as guaranteed by the constitution. Herald
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