SICHOMBA HITS BACK AT KHAMA OVER ‘DICTATOR’ REMARK
UPND Lusaka Province Secretary James Sichomba has criticised former Botswana President Ian Khama for describing President Hakainde Hichilema as “Africa’s newest dictator”, dismissing the remarks as misleading, hypocritical and unbecoming of a former head of state.
Mr Sichomba said Khama’s comments were questionable, considering Zambia’s democratic and human rights reforms under President Hichilema.
He noted that Zambia had recently been elected to the United Nations Human Rights Council for the 2027–2029 term, while Government had abolished the death penalty, expanded free education and introduced school feeding programmes.
Mr Sichomba challenged Khama to reflect on his own political record, alleging that the former Botswana leader had faced serious charges, including corruption, abuse of authority and illegal possession of firearms.
He observed that the charges were dropped under Botswana’s current administration led by President Duma Boko, but stressed that their withdrawal did not amount to a judicial clearance.
“If there is a person who was a dictator and corrupt, it is Ian Khama during his tenure in office,” Mr Sichomba said.
He further questioned Khama’s moral authority to condemn Zambia’s leadership, urging him to respect the country’s democratic institutions and avoid making sweeping statements about its governance.