Hichilema to address Parliament on national values, as CSOs urge focus on ethics, unity

The National Assembly of Zambia has announced that President Hakainde Hichilema will today, February 20, 2026, deliver his annual address to Parliament on the progress made in applying national values, morals and principles.

Acting Clerk of the National Assembly, Loveless Mayaka, said the address was mandated under Articles 8, 9 and 86 of the Constitution.

The announcement was contained in a statement issued by Senior Media Liaison Officer, Nshamba Muzungu.

Mayaka said the address provided an opportunity for the Head of State to update the legislature and the public on the country’s adherence to constitutional values and national principles.

She said invited diplomats and special guests were expected to be seated by 08:30 hours, while citizens may follow the address live on different media platforms.

Patrick Kaumba, Executive Director of the GEARS Initiative Zambia, said the presidential address on morality, values and principles was a key moment to rise above partisan politics and speak to the country’s shared identity.

Kaumba said for the address to be meaningful, it should embrace restorative leadership that rebuilds public trust and sets out a clear ethical framework for the country’s future.

“The address needs to reclaim and champion the core virtues that have historically sustained the republic,” he said, adding that this includes promoting civility, tolerance and humility as tools for bridging divides.

He said the moment called for “courage” to confront long-term national challenges such as debt and environmental degradation, along with a renewed sense of personal responsibility.

Kaumba added that the country also needed a recommitment to compassion as an active virtue aimed at protecting the vulnerable and marginalised, therefore expanding “the circle of protection and inclusion.”

He further underscored the importance of integrity and truth as the bedrock of public discourse, especially amid rising misinformation.

Kaumba said the President’s role as “First Citizen” required embodying the same values being promoted, leading “not merely by the example of the power, but by the power of the example.”

“By grounding the speech in these timeless principles — from Washington’s prudence to Lincoln’s compassion — the President can provide a moral compass to guide the nation through current challenges and towards a more perfect union,” he said.

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