Zambian president Hichilema evacuated from market as angry crowd hurl stones at the podium
By Luke Oluoch, November 9, 2025Zambia President Hakainde Hichilema was forced to abandon his address and seek shelter as an angry crowd hurled objects at his dais as he prepared to address a public function on Saturday, November 8, 2025.
The incident happened at a market in Chiwempala in the Chingola copperbelt region.
A swift action by security personnel prevented the projectiles from hitting the president, who was promptly whisked away and shielded by his security personnel.
Torched vehicle
According to reports, the irate crowds also torched a police vehicle and other properties during the commotion.
Speaking after the incident, police spokesperson Rae Hamoonga accused the crowd of turning violent when the police sought to restore order after they started charging towards the venue where the president was speaking.
Hamoonga said for security reasons, the president was safely whisked away and escorted to the landing pad at Chikola Secondary School grounds.
“However, the violent mob followed the presidential motorcade, throwing stones at vehicles. In the process, the police Toyota Land Cruiser was attacked, its windscreen completely shattered before being overturned and set ablaze,” he told Mwebantu.
Govt statement
While government officials have dismissed the case as an isolated incident, many have pointed to a growing disillusionment of the Zambians who overwhelmingly supported Hichilema’s presidential bid in 2021.
Hichilema, a long-time opposition leader, rose to power in 2021 after his United Party for National Development (UPND) won the presidential elections.
He has, however, been confronted with a disgruntled public in recent times, seemingly unhappy with the direction the Southern African nation is taking.
Following the commotion, he took to his social media to reiterate his commitment to address the issue facing Zambians.
“This afternoon we took time to address our people in Chingola’s Chiwempala… Our people also raised very pertinent issues affecting them in regard to the mine and their desire to continue mining at Senseli. The message is loud and clear, and we will work round the clock and ensure that this is done.”
“We are determined more than ever before to turn around our people’s lives even amidst these challenges. We shall do so lawfully,” his statement on Facebook read.
Hichilema was among the few heads of state who joined Samia Suluhu in Tanzania a week ago for her swearing-in ceremony as the president-elect from the concluded elections.