PRESIDENT HICHILEMA’S FAILURE TO ATTEND THE UN GENERAL ASSEMBLY IS A MATTER OF CONCERN – KALABA
… Says the General Assembly is a forum where Heads of State and Government, not proxies, are expected to articulate their countries’ priorities, negotiate partnerships, and strengthen bilateral and multilateral ties.
LUSAKA, FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 19, 2025 (SMART EAGLES)
CITIZENS’ First party –CF President Harry Kalaba says his party notes with concern the inability of President Hakainde Hichilema to personally attend and represent Zambia at the 80th Session of the United Nations (UN) General Assembly, taking place from 9th to 30th September 2025 in New York, with the high-level week beginning on 22nd September.
In a statement made available to Smart Eagles today, Mr. Kalaba said the General Assembly is a forum where Heads of State and Government, not proxies, are expected to articulate their countries’ priorities, negotiate partnerships, and strengthen bilateral and multilateral ties
Mr. Kalaba said , this development raises serious questions about Zambia’s presence and voice on the global stage at a time when critical issues affecting the nation and continent are being deliberated.
“The UN General Assembly remains the single most important platform for countries,especially those from the Global South, to assert their positions on matters of international peace, security, sustainable development, climate change, and global economic governance. This is a forum where Heads of State and Government, not proxies, are expected to articulate their countries’ priorities, negotiate partnerships, and strengthen bilateral and multilateral ties,” He said.
“For Zambia to be represented at such a high-level gathering without the President is a missed opportunity. Our people are grappling with a crippling power deficit—the worst in the history of our country—that has subjected citizens and businesses to prolonged hours of load shedding. This energy crisis is paralysing productivity, raising the cost of living, and suffocating industry,” Mr. Kalaba adds.
Mr. Kalaba who is also former Foreign Affairs Minister said President Hichilema, as the country’s Chief Diplomat, should have seized this moment on the world stage to directly lobby cooperating partners and potential investors to channel resources into Zambia’s energy sector—specifically in the construction of new hydropower generation stations, large-scale solar parks, and even nuclear plants.
“These are the long-term solutions our country desperately needs, and they require international financing, technology transfer, and partnerships that cannot be secured from Lusaka but only through face-to-face engagement with global leaders and institutions. By failing to attend, the President has squandered an opportunity to position Zambia as a serious investment destination in renewable and sustainable energy. Other African leaders will be in New York making the case for their countries; Zambia, regrettably, will not. This is not just an absence—it is a costly abdication of leadership,” he said.
“It is disheartening that once again, Zambia finds itself absent at a global table where decisive voices are needed. President Hichilema’s absence only reinforces the growing perception that this government is inward-looking, detached from the pressing realities of global diplomacy, and failing to leverage opportunities that could bring tangible benefits to our nation. Citizens First, therefore, calls upon the UPND government to explain to the Zambian people why the President has opted out of this critical engagement. Is it a question of misplaced priorities, lack of commitment to global advocacy, or an admission of failure to provide leadership in international affairs?” The CF leaders said.
#SmartEagles2025.
Zambia will be represented by whoever will be charged to do so. This is not the first time in the history of the UN General Assembly. Kalaba you are not in government and as such you may not know the priorities of the government at hand. Don’t be a mouthpiece of the Zambian people. Be preoccupied with the bye elections results as for now.
You will always criticize what the president does? Know what Harry, we are out here, more educated and intelingeant than you, and we are following what you say because you want to be our President. Now, if you always open your mouth and say things that don’t make sense or well researched you look a fool. Understand that to be in opposition doesn’t mean to always criticize what the other guys says or does. I am sure if he had travelled you would have said aha, there he goes again. Truth be told, your intellect falls far below what is required for the position of president. With Max as your advisor…Yaba.
It seems like he’s the one who wants to attend… Maybe his time will come, but he should not be a hater.
Many people in Zambia do NOT known the duty of the Opposition. In short Opposition should NEVER be antagonistic, be simple and defend your course, be good in articulate of issues and NOT wa mamania kwati wakalele katali. Elio ulefunia ishiwi kubantu.
Harry Zero Kalaba wants to portray himself as a very knowledgeable politician on governance matters. Unfortunately, he ends up looking foolishly petty.