Mo Ibrahim cautions Zambia's Hichilema on democratic legacy

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Sudanese-British billionaire Mo Ibrahim has warned Zambian President Hakainde Hichilema against allowing the country’s post-election tensions to undermine the democratic gains made during his first term.

Sudanese-British billionaire Mo Ibrahim warns Zambia’s President Hichilema not to squander his democratic legacy amid post-election tensions Mo Ibrahim warned Zambian President Hichilema not to let post-election tensions erode the country's recent democratic gains. He expressed concern over developments such as the arrest of opposition figures, the killing of a former minister, suspension of vote counting, and closure of top courts. Political instability could undermine Zambia's efforts to attract foreign investment, especially as it recovers from a debt crisis. Ibrahim's comments highlight the broader challenge for African countries of maintaining credible institutions while pursuing economic growth and reform. ADVERTISEMENT Read Also lifestyle East Africa’s richest man Mo Dewji has put nearly $680 million behind aggressive African expansion in 2026 as he targets a $10 billion empire lifestyle UK’s new prime minister under pressure as Africa’s second-richest country pushes to reclaim Chagos Islands amid US plan to buy them lifestyle U.S. suddenly sends more deportees to a small African kingdom as $5.1 million deal faces fresh backlash window._taboola = window._taboola || []; _taboola.push({ mode: 'thumbnails-mid-n', container: 'taboola-thumbnails-mid-1', placement: 'Thumbnails Mid 1', target_type: 'mix' }); In a comment to Business Insider Africa, Ibrahim said recent political developments had raised concerns about the strength of Zambia’s institutions and the country’s long-standing reputation for peaceful democratic transitions.

“Mr President, your first mandate was defined by progress. Do not waste what you have achieved,” Ibrahim said.

“We are watching post-presidential election developments in Zambia with deep concern.”

DON'T MISS: Meet Mo Ibrahim, the African billionaire who built Celtel, sold it for $3.4 billion, and helped create a telecom giant later acquired for $10.7 billion

The warning follows a tense period after Zambia’s August presidential election, including the arrest of opposition figures, the killing of former Transport and Communications Minister Mutotwe Kafwaya and the temporary suspension of vote counting.

The closure of some of Zambia’s highest courts, including the Constitutional Court, shortly before the deadline for challenging the election result also drew criticism.

For Ibrahim, those developments matter beyond the election itself.

“Elections are of course a key test of democracy. But the test extends beyond what happens at the ballot box.”

“The arbitrary arrest of opposition members; the killing of a former minister; and the suspension of vote counting: these should never happen in a true democracy.”

He added: “The recent decision to close Zambia’s top courts, including the Constitutional Court, just before the deadline for challenging the election result, only adds to the mess.”

Opposition leader Brian Mundubile and his running mate, Makebi Zulu, have also been questioned by police over alleged treason, adding to concerns about the political climate.

DON'T MISS: Zambia's landslide is a signal investors should not ignore

Mo Ibrahim warned Zambian President Hichilema not to let post-election tensions erode the country's recent democratic gains. ece-auto-gen Zambia’s reputation extends beyond politics The developments are significant for Zambia because political stability has long been one of the country’s strengths.

The copper-rich southern African nation has built a reputation for competitive elections, peaceful transfers of power and relative institutional stability.

That record also matters economically as Zambia seeks more foreign investment in mining, energy and infrastructure while recovering from a prolonged debt crisis.

Political uncertainty, pressure on state institutions and concerns over the rule of law could therefore weaken investor confidence.