Time to unite beyond politics, Dr Mupambi tells Zambians at Hichilema inauguration

LUSAKA, Zambia - Global and political affairs analyst Dr Abigale Mupambi has urged Zambians to move beyond election‑season divisions and focus on national unity and reconciliation as the country enters a new political chapter under President Hakainde Hichilema.

Dr Mupambi was among regional delegates who attended Hichilema's inauguration at Heroes Stadium on Tuesday, following the 13 August general elections, which drew mixed reactions across the region.

Speaking to the media, she said the moment demanded more than witnessing the swearing‑in of a president — it required a collective shift towards healing and rebuilding. "I am honoured by the distinguished invitation to Zambia, particularly on this historic inaugural event," she said. "Zambia has just emerged from critical polls that attracted mixed reactions across the region."

She said the post‑election period should prioritise reconciliation, urging political actors and citizens to use national, regional and international mechanisms to resolve outstanding disputes. "Paramount to the inauguration is the need for Zambians to find each other and unite beyond political differences," she said.

Dr Mupambi encouraged citizens to rally behind a shared national vision. "I urge Zambians towards unity of purpose, nation building and national cohesion," she said.

She also highlighted Zambia's strategic role within SADC and the African Union, noting that the country's stability influences the wider region. "Zambia is an integral part of the SADC regional bloc and also belongs to the African Union. Its progress and stability impact the region and Africa at large," she said.

Dr Mupambi congratulated Zambians on reaching what she described as an important milestone and expressed hope that President Hichilema would embrace political inclusivity. "I hope the incumbent President Hakainde Hichilema will reduce aggression in handling opposing voices and embrace all with ease, as a father figure under the long‑standing principle of ‘One Zambia, One Nation'," she said.

In his keynote address, Hichilema echoed similar sentiments, urging citizens to respect one another and emphasising that Zambia remained one family despite political differences. He thanked supporters and reminded those who did not vote for him that they remained equally Zambian.

The inauguration was attended by several regional leaders, including Zimbabwean President Emmerson Mnangagwa and Kenyan President William Ruto.

As Zambia begins a new political chapter, attention is expected to shift towards governance, reconciliation and addressing concerns raised during the electoral process - themes central to ongoing regional discussions around democratic consolidation and post‑election stability.