Hichilema Warns Against Return to “Debt and Disorder”

President Hakainde Hichilema has cautioned Zambians against voting for former political leaders, warning that such a move would drag the nation back into economic turmoil and lawlessness.

Speaking at a community engagement in Chibombo today, the Head of State said Zambians should not vote for opposition figures and past officials now seeking office as they squandered the opportunity to serve responsibly.

“Don’t go back to the people that brought debt” President Hichilema told the gathering, urging citizens to recall the country’s financial state before his administration. “They borrowed recklessly and left us with debt.”

The President stressed that the liabilities inherited from the previous regime crippled development and destabilized the economy. He noted that his government has worked to restructure debt and restore fiscal discipline after taking over depleted reserves.

Turning to social order, Hichilema reminded residents of the climate of fear that once dominated public spaces. He recalled how traders and small business owners faced constant intimidation under cadre‑driven interference. “They harassed people in the markets without restraint,” he said, contrasting that era with reforms aimed at protecting ordinary citizens.

The President urged Chibombo residents to safeguard the gains of recent years. He called for vigilance as political activity intensifies, stressing that economic recovery and social stability must not be sacrificed to the failed leadership of the past.