By Abdul Kimera
Hakainde Hichilema has, on 24, August, 2021, been sworn-in as the 7th president of the republic of Zambia at the National Heroes Stadium, in Lusaka.
In his inauguration speech, president Hichilema first asked the audience to honour the death of eminent citizens who passed on this year including the founding father of the republic of Zambia Dr. Kenneth David Kaunda with a moment of silence.
In presence of different heads of state and dignitaries from across the world, president Hichilema thanked Zambians for overwhelmingly voting him. “I am nothing but a village boy…,” Hakainde Hichilema said.
He therefore promised the youth of a new dawn, where they will be skilled and availed with opportunity to work and prosper in an economy that will be revived soon.
To entrepreneurs seeking capital, Hichilema said his government knows exactly what they need in order to thrive.
“We will pay special attention to lowering the fiscal deficit, reducing public debt and restoring social and market confidence” Hichilema added.
On promoting unity in diversity and ensuring respect for all fundamental Human rights and freedom for all, he said, “We will restore the rule of law, general order in our public places and communities and return our country back to normalcy.”
President Hichilema also thanked the out going president Mr. Edgar. C. Lungu for his service to the nation and credited him for facilitating a smooth transition.
He commended the electoral commission of Zambia for ensuring that elections were successfully held despite several challenges.
Zimbabwean president Emerson Mnangagwa, Democratic Republic of Congo’s Felix Tshiskedi, Tanzania’s Suluhu Hassan Samia, South Africa’s Cyril Ramaphosa, Malawi’s Lazarus Chakwera, Ghana’s defense minister Dominic Nitiwul and Kenya’s Raila Odinga were among the notable figures present.
