Hichilema finally address the nation, 7 days after Lungu’s death
…Our Political Differences Do Not Make Us Enemies
President Hakainde Hichilema has finally addressed the nation seven days after the death of his predecessor President Edgar Lungu.
Lungu died on 5th June 2025 in South Africa. Unprecedented his death was announced by his Daughter eight hours after waiting for Government to do so.
Previously both former and sitting Presidents have had their death announced by a sitting President. Zambia has lost five Presidents and Lungu was the Sixth and only surviving.
The silence by President Hichilema to address the Nation raised eyebrows with the funeral having been married with impasse between Lungu’s family and Government.
Sakwiba Sikota who chairs a grouping of opposition political parties questioned Hichilema why he has failed to address the nation over the passing on of his predecessor.
Human Rights Activist Brebner Changala charged that Lungu’s death has sent the entire government into mute mode. He said Hichilema had disappeared in thin air.
Addressing the nation this evening, President Hichilema called for peace, love, unity, compassion, and solidarity, noting that Zambia is mourning not only the loss of a former Head of State but also the last of the six men who have led the republic before him.
President Hichilema urged citizens to embrace the bereaved family, the Patriotic Front Party, and their supporters with compassion and solidarity.
“Not as political rivals, but as fellow Zambians, brothers and sisters who share a common destiny.
“Our political differences do not make us enemies. They make us participants in a dynamic democracy, a family with different views but shared aspirations. This diversity of opinion is a fundamental right that must be protected, especially in times of national mourning,” he said.
He further said government will not allow lawlessness, disorder, or anarchy to take root.
He said Zambia is built on the rule of law and that the law must prevail without fear or favor.
The President further urged political parties to mourn the late former President with dignity, empathy, and respect.
“Let us allow the people of Zambia to bid farewell to their former President with the respect and honor that befits the high office he once held,” he said.