A recent article by academic Sishuwa Sishuwa in African Arguments has suggested that President Hakainde Hichilema has a “desperate plan” to stay in power at any cost. However, a response published by University of Zambia law lecturer Dr. O’Brien Kaaba, Canadian Institutes of Health Research policy advisor Dr. Priva Hang’andu, and media and communication studies doctoral candidate Ringford Mwelwa disagrees with Sishuwa’s claims.
Firstly, the authors critique Sishuwa’s assertion that Hichilema plans to “contain and undermine” the Catholic church by finding incriminating information on priests or dividing the hierarchy, pointing out that the church is not financially independent and that government funding for church-run schools and hospitals has increased under Hichilema’s administration. They also note that pre-existing divisions within the church pre-date Hichilema’s presidency.
The authors dispute Sishuwa’s claim that Hichilema has sought to co-opt civil society by appointing outspoken individuals to public positions, arguing that very few civil society leaders have actually been appointed, and that those who have remain outspoken advocates for good governance. They also contend that the use of the term “co-optation” is unhelpful and denies agency to those who have chosen to enter public service.
The response also rejects Sishuwa’s claims that Hichilema intends to capture the Courts and the Electoral Commission of Zambia, pointing out that government interference in these institutions is part of Zambia’s wider democratic struggles, rather than a unique problem under Hichilema. Finally, the article denies allegations that Hichilema is covering up corruption within his administration. Overall, the authors defend the current government while acknowledging that there are still areas in need of improvement.
