By Venus N Msyani The aftermath of Zambia’s 2026 general election has ushered in a period of deep uncertainty, marked by what many observers describe as a rapid decay of civic space. President Hakainde Hichilema’s administration appears intent on pushing the nation to “move…

By Venus N Msyani

The aftermath of Zambia’s 2026 general election has ushered in a period of deep uncertainty, marked by what many observers describe as a rapid decay of civic space. President Hakainde Hichilema’s administration appears intent on pushing the nation to “move on,” yet the methods being used to enforce this political closure have raised serious concerns.

Arrests, intimidation, and punitive actions against critics have become increasingly visible, creating an atmosphere of fear rather than unity. This is occurring against the backdrop of an election whose credibility has been questioned by the European Union and several other reputable monitoring bodies, all of whom expressed dissatisfaction with the conduct and outcome of the polls.

One of the most striking developments has been the targeting of religious leadership. The Archbishop of Lusaka, Alick Banda, widely respected for his defense of human rights, democracy, and the marginalized, spent a night in jail on charges related to a previously settled stolen‑vehicle case.

For many Zambians, this incident symbolized a troubling shift: even the Church, historically a moral anchor and mediator during political crises, is no longer safe from state pressure. Archbishop Banda’s consistent advocacy for truth and justice appears to be the very reason he is now facing persecution.

Beyond the clergy, ordinary citizens and political actors have also felt the weight of state power. Passports have been confiscated from individuals who refuse to accept what they view as a compromised election victory. Others have been detained for prolonged periods without clear timelines for court appearances. These actions collectively paint a picture of shrinking civic freedoms at a moment when national cohesion is desperately needed.

It is within this tense environment that President Hichilema unveiled the Grow Zambia Agenda during his inauguration on 1 September 2026. The agenda promises job creation, wealth generation, and shared prosperity over the next five years. His first international trip of the new term, a working visit to the United Arab Emirates from 29 to 30 September, was framed as the official launch of this development program. Upon his return to Lusaka, the President confirmed to reporters that the UAE trip was indeed aligned with the Grow Zambia vision.

However, not everyone interpreted the trip as a confident stride into Zambia’s developmental future. Notably, there was no media interaction during his departure, in contrast to the engagement seen upon his arrival. This absence of transparency fueled speculation.

Days earlier, Hichilema had explained that he delegated attendance at the United Nations General Assembly to the Foreign Affairs Minister to reduce costs associated with presidential travel. Critics seized on this explanation, suggesting that the UAE trip may have been an emergency visit, possibly for medical reasons. Some even speculated about serious illness. While such claims remain unverified, their circulation reflects a broader erosion of public trust.

Returning to the central question: Can the Grow Zambia Agenda coexist with democratic decay? History suggests the answer is NO. Zambia’s most successful national initiatives have relied on collective effort, public confidence, and broad civic participation. Development is not merely a technical process; it is a social contract. When citizens feel silenced, intimidated, or excluded, they cannot meaningfully contribute to national progress.

The failure of Hichilema’s anti‑corruption campaign during his first term, widely viewed as ineffective due to lack of inclusive engagement, serves as a recent example of how initiatives falter without collective effort.

The current trajectory indicates that the Grow Zambia Agenda is being launched on a fractured foundation. Prosperity cannot be built where dissent is criminalized. Economic growth cannot flourish in an environment where civic freedoms are shrinking. A development program that requires national unity cannot succeed while key voices, clergy, activists, opposition leaders, and ordinary citizens, are suppressed.

The logical conclusion is clear: fresh elections may be necessary to restore legitimacy, rebuild trust, and create the collective environment required for Zambia’s development. Only a renewed mandate, earned through a transparent and credible process, can reconcile the Grow Zambia Agenda with the democratic principles essential for its success.