PRESS STATEMENT
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
UPND CHALLENGES IAN KHAMA’S REPORTED DESCRIPTION OF PRESIDENT HICHILEMA AS “AFRICA’S NEWEST DICTATOR”
LUSAKA, ZAMBIA, OCTOBER 31, 2026 – The United Party for National Development (UPND), has taken note of a video circulating on social media in which former Botswana President Ian Khama is reportedly heard describing President Hakainde Hichilema as “Africa’s newest dictator”.
UPND Media Director, Mark Simuuwe says if the video is authentic and accurately reflects Mr Khama’s position, we find the description deeply questionable, particularly when considered against the democratic, constitutional and socioeconomic reforms Zambia has undertaken under President Hichilema’s leadership.
Under President Hichilema, Zambia has continued to strengthen its international democratic standing, including its recent election to the United Nations Human Rights Council for the 2027–2029 term. Government has also abolished the death penalty, expanded access to free education and introduced school feeding programmes to support learners and improve educational outcomes. These are significant policy interventions with direct implications for human rights, human dignity and social inclusion.
The Afrobarometer findings also provide an important perspective on Zambia’s democratic environment. Its 2025 survey establishes Zambia the most democratized state and these findings demonstrate the strong public commitment to democratic governance.
On social protection, Government has substantially expanded the Social Cash Transfer Programme from approximately 450,000 beneficiary households in 2021 to more than 1.5 million in 2025. This expansion reflects a deliberate effort and commitment to extend the benefits of economic recovery and development to vulnerable citizens.
Zambia has also strengthened its international economic partnerships, including securing the resumption of European Union direct budget support in 2024, with a €60 million package for the period 2024–2026, alongside continued engagement with the International Monetary Fund and the World Bank whose reports speaks to Zambia’s bright economic outlook. Furthermore, the country has assumed important regional responsibilities, including the COMESA vice-chairpersonship. These developments demonstrate Zambia’s continued engagement with international and regional institutions.
We therefore believe that democratic leadership should be assessed against evidence, institutional reforms, constitutional safeguards, citizens’ freedoms and the lived experiences of the people, rather than broad labels issued without substantiation.
If Mr Khama indeed made these remarks, we would respectfully encourage him to stick to his lane and exercise the restraint expected of a former Head of State and engage with the facts before making such serious pronouncements about a neighbouring country. He is an expired politician whose time in leadership did not deliver the level of transformation and progress Botswana deserved. Given the country’s enormous potential, Botswana could by now have emerged as one of Africa’s most prosperous and globally competitive nations. His experience in public office should encourage constructive regional dialogue rather than statements that risk undermining relations between African nations.
We also acknowledge Botswana’s contribution to the region and recognise the efforts of successive administrations, including the current leadership, to modernise the country, strengthen its international competitiveness and diversify its economy beyond diamonds into other minerals and productive sectors. Botswana’s development is important to the entire region, and we wish its people continued progress.
Ultimately, Zambia’s democratic journey must be judged on evidence, institutions and the continued ability of citizens to exercise their rights and hold public office holders accountable. Under President Hichilema, the country has continued to pursue reforms that advance human rights, expand social protection, promote inclusive development and strengthen democratic institutions. These are important contributions to the country’s democratic and national development agenda. We remain committed to strengthening democracy, protecting constitutional freedoms and delivering development that improves the lives of all Zambians.
MARK SIMUUWE
MEDIA DIRECTOR
UNITED PARTY FOR NATIONAL DEVELOPMENT (UPND)