Hichilema sworn in for second term amid Zambia election dispute

Zambian President Hakainde Hichilema has been sworn in for a second five-year term after winning an election contested by his main political rival and followed by a crackdown on opposition figures.

Hichilema took the oath of office at the National Heroes Stadium in Lusaka on Tuesday, where he addressed thousands of supporters and pledged to govern all Zambians regardless of how they voted.

"We receive your support with humility and with a clear understanding of the responsibility it places upon our shoulders," Hichilema said during the inauguration. "To those who chose other candidates or other parties, we say with equal sincerity: We have heard you."

His return to office comes amid continuing controversy over the August 13 presidential election, which Hichilema won with about 60 percent of the vote. His closest challenger, opposition leader Brian Mundubile, received approximately 38 percent but has rejected the result, alleging electoral manipulation.

Political tensions intensified immediately after the election when police raided Mundubile's residence. During the operation, a former cabinet minister was shot and killed.

Mundubile and his running mate, Makebi Zulu, were subsequently arrested and charged with treason after spending about two weeks seeking refuge with an international human rights organisation. Both men have denied the allegations.

Authorities have not publicly detailed the evidence behind the treason charges.

Several other opposition politicians and prominent figures who have challenged the election outcome have also been detained, adding to concerns over the political environment following the vote.

The authorities also temporarily closed Zambia's courts last week. Human Rights Watch criticised the decision, arguing that the closures could prevent opposition parties from pursuing legal challenges to the election results.

Despite the political dispute, Hichilema used his inauguration speech to highlight what he described as economic progress during his first term.

His government oversaw the restructuring of Zambia's debt, sought to attract foreign investment and worked to bring down inflation as the country faced significant economic pressures.

Hichilema said his administration would continue focusing on economic development and improving living standards during his second term.

His running mate, Mutale Nalumango, was also sworn in for another term as vice-president during Tuesday's ceremony.

The inauguration marks the beginning of Hichilema's second term, but the continuing detention of opposition figures and unresolved allegations surrounding the election are likely to keep political tensions high in Zambia.