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Former Botswana President, Ian Khama, has renewed his criticism of Zambian President Hakainde Hichilema, accusing his administration of manipulating elections, persecuting political opponents and committing human rights abuses.
In an interview with Swaziland News published on Sunday, Khama maintained his description of Hichilema as a dictator, days after questioning Botswana’s decision to send a government representative to the Zambian president’s inauguration.
“In order to satisfy his craving for power, he interfered with elections, arrested and detained opponents and members of the clergy, fabricated charges against them,” Khama said.
He also accused the Zambian government of kidnapping and torturing political activists, although the government had not publicly responded to the latest allegations at the time of publication.
Khama’s latest remarks come amid political and legal tensions following Zambia’s August 13 general elections, with several opposition figures facing arrest and prosecution.
Among them is Lima Constituency lawmaker Kelvin Kaunda of the opposition NRPUP, who was arrested on October 15 over an alleged assault during election campaigns. Kaunda was subsequently granted bail and has described his detention as politically motivated.
Khama’s comments have drawn criticism from several Zambian political figures, who have challenged his characterisation of Hichilema’s leadership and questioned his intervention in the country’s domestic affairs.
Former Zambian Vice-President Enock Kavindele has urged Khama to respect Zambia’s sovereignty and provide credible evidence to support serious allegations against its elected leadership.
United Party for National Development (UPND) Media Director, Mark Simuuwe, has also rejected Khama’s description of Hichilema, citing the country’s constitutional institutions, legislative reforms and international standing.
Nominated Member of Parliament Judith Kabemba Nkonge has similarly criticised Khama’s remarks, describing them as reckless and unbecoming of a former head of state.
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In a statement issued in Lusaka, Nkonge said the former Botswana leader’s comments raised concerns about possible external involvement in activities intended to destabilise Zambia, including alleged support for opposition groups and the formation of militias.
She defended Hichilema’s electoral record, saying he had respected democratic processes despite losing elections on five previous occasions before winning the presidency.
“At no point did he resort to unconstitutional or unorthodox means of ascending to power,” Nkonge said.
She said Hichilema was elected in 2021 and had his mandate renewed in the 2026 general elections, adding that his administration had promoted peace, national dialogue and respect for the rule of law.
Nkonge also cited Zambia’s election to the United Nations Human Rights Council with 177 votes as evidence of the country’s international standing.
She further referred to Southern African Development Community (SADC) electoral observation reports, which she said recorded approximately 99 per cent peaceful conditions.
Nkonge urged Khama to respect Zambia’s sovereignty and questioned the motives behind his statements, particularly in light of allegations of external involvement in efforts to destabilise the country.
The Zambian government has yet to publicly respond to Khama’s latest allegations.
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