US, China and DRC congratulate Hichilema on re-election
The United States, China and the Democratic Republic of Congo have congratulated President Hakainde Hichilema on his re-election in Zambia’s August presidential election, pledging to strengthen cooperation with his administration.
Lusaka, 21 August – The United States said it looked forward to continuing its partnership with Zambia under Mr Hichilema’s second term, particularly in areas of economic prosperity, regional peace and security, and global health.
In a statement issued on Thursday, the US Embassy in Lusaka described the relationship between the two countries as a strong and enduring partnership spanning 62 years.
“The United States congratulates President Hakainde Hichilema on his re-election,” the embassy said.
It added that Washington looked forward to working with Mr Hichilema’s administration and the Zambian people to advance shared economic prosperity, regional peace and security, and global health.
China also congratulated Mr Hichilema, with President Xi Jinping saying Beijing was ready to work with the Zambian leader to deepen relations between the two countries.
In a statement issued by the Chinese Embassy, Mr Xi said China and Zambia had continued to strengthen political mutual trust, while practical cooperation between the two countries had produced positive results.
The Chinese president said the two countries had also maintained close coordination and cooperation in multilateral affairs.
Mr Xi noted that he had met President Hichilema twice in recent years and said the two leaders had jointly guided the development of China-Zambia relations.
He said he attached great importance to the relationship between the two countries and was ready to work with Mr Hichilema to implement the outcomes of the Beijing Summit of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation.
Mr Xi also pledged to work with President Hichilema to preserve the traditional friendship between China and Zambia, strengthen mutual support and raise the level of mutually beneficial cooperation.
The Chinese president said the two countries should work towards taking their comprehensive strategic cooperative partnership to new heights and delivering greater benefits to their people.
Meanwhile, Democratic Republic of Congo President Félix Tshisekedi also extended his congratulations to Mr Hichilema and wished him success during his second term.
In a separate statement, Mr Tshisekedi said he hoped the two neighbouring countries would continue strengthening bilateral cooperation for the benefit of their citizens.
“Following the proclamation of the results of the presidential election of 13 August in Zambia, the President of the Democratic Republic of Congo, Félix-Antoine Tshisekedi Tshilombo, extends his warmest congratulations to his counterpart Hakainde Hichilema for his re-election,” the statement said.
Mr Tshisekedi wished President Hichilema success in fulfilling his second term and expressed hope that the Zambian people would enjoy greater peace, stability and prosperity.
He further highlighted the historical and cultural ties between the two countries, describing Zambia and the DRC as nations united by geography, history and culture.
The Congolese president said he hoped the two countries would continue to strengthen their bilateral cooperation for the mutual benefit of their peoples.
The messages from Washington, Beijing and Kinshasa come as President Hichilema begins preparations for his second term in office, following his victory in the August presidential election.
-Nkanionline 2026