Zambia has been here before. Past leaders chipped away at institutions, ignored court rulings, and turned the Presidency into an all-powerful throne. Each time, it was done in the name of expedience, but the result was the same, weaker courts, weaker Parliament, weaker democracy.

By Brian Matambo – Lusaka, Zambia When President Hakainde Hichilema stood in Parliament yesterday, he lectured the nation that “court...

Hichilema told the nation that “for the first time in 60 years, citizens enjoy full rights and freedoms without fear.” The statement is not only false, it is insulting to the victims of a frightening pattern of abductions, intimidation, and political persecution that has scarred Zambia in recent years.

Today, we welcome him into the PF family, not only as a brother but as a professional whose expertise and acumen will contribute to the movement of the people and to the government-in-waiting,” Nakachinda declared. 

The law says the widow decides. Culture says the family leads. Jurisdiction says South African law prevails. Yet Hichilema insists otherwise. That is not leadership. It is arrogance.