Netizens divided as Hichilema calls for unity at inauguration event

President Hakainde Hichilema’s appeal for Zambians to refrain from humiliating those who voted against him has sparked mixed reactions on social media, with some praising the message of reconciliation while others argued that political rivals should first accept the election outcome.

Speaking during his inauguration, President Hichilema urged supporters to embrace national unity, saying: “There should be no humiliation of the person who voted against us, they are our brothers, they are our sisters. We are one people.” The remarks formed part of his call for peace and national healing following the general election.

Many Facebook users welcomed the President’s message, describing it as a reminder that Zambia’s unity should rise above political differences.

Masumba Nyanca wrote: “Political choices may differ, but our identity as Zambians remains the same. Let us learn to disagree without hatred, compete without division and unite for the peace and development of our beloved country.”

Gertrude Phiri said she admired the President’s consistent calls for unity, commenting that she had “never heard this man preach division or tribe but unity.”

Others, however, felt the President’s appeal came too soon, arguing that supporters who had endured political taunts before the election deserved time to celebrate.

Nchimunya Habasimbi joked that he knew “the first five minutes of the inauguration speech” would be about not mocking opponents, while Green Nyoni questioned why supporters could not be allowed “even a day to laugh” after previously being mocked with the phrase “muleya set.”

Sara Limkenu remarked that opponents should first “stop being bitter,” while Mego Anamela said some people had “refused to accept the defeat.”

Another user, Sampaya Changa Chambeshi, said President Hichilema was quick to preach peace whenever political tensions escalated, describing it as part of his leadership style.

Some users urged fellow Zambians to heed the President’s call and move on from the heated election campaign, while others maintained that political rivalry would naturally continue despite the appeal.

The online debate reflected the contrasting emotions that have followed the elections, with some embracing reconciliation and others insisting that political wounds remain fresh.

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