By: Ollus Ndomu
Zambia has once again experienced a peaceful transition, with former President Edgar Lungu handing-over the instruments of power to Hakainde Hichilema, who took an oath of office amid an electric ambience at the National Heroes Stadium in the capital, Lusaka.
Hichilema, 59, has become Zambia’s 7the Republican President after being sworn-in today in the presence of 10 African heads of state including several thousand Zambians that filled the stadium to capacity.
In his inauguration speech, President Hichilema told the 18-million country that change had arrived adding that a new vision was in place to turn around Zambia’s nosediving economy.
Taking over a country beset by a huge public debt including massive corruption, the economist turned politician told Zambians that the road ahead would not be without challenges but promised to revive the economy at all cost.
Hichilema also promised his citizens three decent meals a day while inviting the private sector to partner with his government to ensure economic growth.
“No Zambian should go to bed hungry.”
The newly inaugurated capitalist leader also thanked his predecessor for a peaceful transition and saying kudos to democracy:
“Democracy is the way to go – for Zambia, the people of Africa and the world.”
The Hichilema government has also promised a “zero tolerance” to corruption.
