Hakainde Hichilema

Hakainde Hichilema (born 4 June 1962) is a Zambian businessman and politician who has been President of the United Party for National Development, an opposition political party, since 2006.

Hakainde Hichilema
President of the United Party
for National Development
Assumed office
2006
Preceded byAnderson Mazoka
Personal details
Born (1962-06-04) 4 June 1962
Monze, Northern Rhodesia
NationalityZambian
Political partyUPND
Spouse(s)Mutinta
Children
Alma materUniversity of Zambia (BA)
University of Birmingham (MBA)
OccupationBusinessman
ProfessionEconomist
Nickname(s)HH

He is a perennial presidential candidate, having contested five times and lost all: in 2006, 2008, 2011, 2015 and 2016.

Early life and career

Hichilema was born in a village in Monze District in present-day Zambia. He received a scholarship to study at the University of Zambia and graduated in 1986 with a bachelor's degree in Economics and Business Administration. He thereafter pursued an MBA in Finance and Business Strategy at the University of Birmingham in the United Kingdom.[1]

He served as the chief executive officer of both Coopers and Lybrand Zambia (1994–1998) and Grant Thornton Zambia (1998–2006).[2]

Political career

He is a member of the opposition United Party for National Development, a liberal political party. Following the death of Anderson Mazoka in 2006, he was elected as the party's new President. He also served as the leader of the United Democratic Alliance (UDA), an alliance of three opposition political parties.

In the 2006 election, Hichilema was the candidate of the UDA and ran against incumbent president Levy Mwanawasa of the Movement for Multiparty Democracy and Patriotic Front candidate Michael Sata. He received the endorsement of former President Kenneth Kaunda. The election was held on 28 September 2006 and Hichilema took third place with about 25% of the vote.

Hichilema ran as the UPND candidate in the 2008 election, which was called following the death of President Levy Mwanawasa.[3] He came 3rd with 19.7% of the vote. In June 2009, Hichilema's party, the UPND, formed a pact with Michael Sata's Patriotic Front (PF) to contest the 2011 election together. However, indecision on the pact candidate, deep mistrust and accusations of tribalism from both sides resulted in the collapse of the pact in March 2011.[4]

He was one of the two main candidates in the January 2015 presidential election, which he lost by a narrow margin of just 27,757 votes (1.66%) against the ruling party's candidate, Edgar Lungu. Hichilema denounced the election as a sham and urged his supporters to remain calm.[5][6] He again faced Lungu as the main opposition candidate in the August 2016 presidential election, and was again narrowly defeated.[7]

In April 2017, he was arrested on suspicion of treason and charged with attempting to overthrow the government.[8] He was in prison for 4 months before being given a Nolle prosequi.[9][10]

Arrest & treason charge

Hichilema was arrested on 11 April 2017. On the night of the 11th of April 2017 the Zambian Police broke and entered Hakainde Hichilema's compound to arrest the country's main opposition leader, ordered by President Edgar Lungu’s government[11][12][13] and charged with Treason after he was accused of endangering the president's life after his motorcade allegedly refused to give way to the one transporting President Lungu,[14] a case which many viewed as a minor traffic offense[15][16] and not one that could amount to Treason. Hichilema strongly denied the charge, which carries a maximum sentence of death penalty.[17]

Police misconduct during arrest

The police used excessive force[18] to enter Hichilema's residence damaging his home and property, beat up all his workers, stole colossal sums of money, jewelry, as well as underwear, shoes, speakers, blankets, carpets and food from the Kitchen and defecated on Mr Hichilema's bed.[19][20] Teargas canisters were thrown inside Hichilema's home[21] gassing him out including his asthmatic wife and children[22] who collapsed several times due to inhaling Tear Gas.

Condemnation of arrest

Hichilema's arrest was widely condemned. The United States,[23] the European Union[24] and the European Parliament[25] denounced the arrest. The Africa Liberal Network condemned the arrest as an attempt by President Lungu to silence dissent and opposition.[26] The Catholic bishops strongly condemned the arrest and said Zambia had become a dictatorship under President Edgar Lungu.[27] Julius Malema, the leader of South Africa's EFF party, accused Zambia's president Edgar Lungu of apartheid style repression for detaining Hichilema on treason charges[12] and called president Lungu a “Coward”.[28] Mmusi Maimane, the leader of South Africa's DA party, who was denied entry into Zambia to visit Hichilema in Jail[29] (stopped from exiting the plane at Lusaka's Kenneth Kaunda International Airport) strongly denounced the trumped up charges against Hichilema.[30]

Time in jail

Hichilema said in an interview on HARDtalk that during his time in prison he was held in solitary confinement for 8 days without food, water, light or visitation, was tortured by having his private parts pepper sprayed and accused president Lungu of having tried to kill him.[31]

His wife Mutinta was turned away by prison officials when she took food for him.

Hichilema's arrest was the subject of the episode of Al Jazeera's The Stream TV program titled Is Zambia's democracy in danger[32] which aired on 30 May 2017.

High-profile jail visitations

Zambia's first president Kenneth Kaunda was turned away by prison officials when he visited Hichilema in Prison.[33]

Mmusi Maimane, leader of the Democratic Alliance (South Africa) was also turned away by Zambia Police when he came to Zambia to attend Hichilema's court appearance, he was not allowed to disembark from the plane, had his phone confiscated and was roughed up.[29] This prompted South Africa's Foreign Ministry to summon Zambia's Ambassador to South Africa Emmanuel Mwamba to explain the actions of the Zambian regime.

Former President of Nigeria, Olusegun Obasanjo visited Hichilema in Prison.[34]

Secretary General of the Commonwealth, Baroness Patricia Scotland visited Hichilema in Prison twice.[35]

State of emergency

While Hichilema was in Jail, President Lungu imposed a state of emergency,[36] a move critics saw as an effort to tighten his grip on power.[37]

Protests

Protests broke out in Zambia, South Africa[38] and the United Kingdom[39] demanding the release of Hichilema and condemning Edgar Lungu's authoritarian rule and deteriorating human rights in Zambia.

Release from prison

Jubilant celebrations broke out throughout Zambia when Hichilema was released from Prison on 16 August 2017 and scores of people lined up the roads of Lusaka to have a glimpse of Hichilema as his motorcade left prison with Hichilema emerging through the Sunroof of his vehicle to wave at the cheering crowds.[40]

Former UN Secretary General Kofi Annan, congratulated the Zambian authorities for dropping the treason charges against Hichilema and releasing him from Prison.[41]

Thanksgiving Prayers were held to celebrate Hichilema's release from jail at the Cathedral of Holy Cross in Lusaka on 29 August 2017 and Hichilema was present at the event which drew large crowds and was aired live on Television. The event was originally scheduled to take place the previous week on 24 August but was blocked by heavily armed state police who sealed off the venue.

Hichilema became more popular after his release and was awarded the Africa Freedom Award in Johannesburg, South Africa. He was invited to speak at Catham House in London and was also invited to speak in South Africa by Democratic Alliance Members of Parliament[42] and was featured on BBC's HARDtalk.

A book about Hichilema's time in Prison called Hakainde Hichilema's Prison Diary[43] was released on 29 September 2017 by Journalist Fredrick Misebezi.[44] Hichilema endorsed the book and urged the public to read it.[45]

Police warning and caution in 2020

On 23 December 2020, Hichilema received a warning and caution at the Zambian Police Headquarters in Lusaka for an alleged offence of "conspiracy to defraud contrary to section 313 of the Penal Code, Cap 87 of the Laws of Zambia", relating to the purchase of a property in 2004.[46] As Hichilema arrived for questioning, police clashed with UPND supporters. In an attempt to disperse the crowd, police reportedly shot dead a State Prosecutor and a UPND supporter.[47]

Awards

Hichilema was conferred with the Africa Freedom Award by the Friedrich Naumann Foundation for Freedom on 27 October 2017 at an event held in Johannesburg, South Africa.[48]

Interviews

Hichilema was featured on the popular BBC television program HARDtalk on 1 November 2017 and was interviewed by Stephen Sackur.[49] He was the first Zambian opposition political leader to be hosted on HARDtalk and the second Zambian Politician featured after former President Levy Mwanawasa.

On 17 December 2017 Hichilema featured on ZNBC's Sunday Interview making him the first opposition political leader to be hosted on that program.[50] This was after management at ZNBC had granted a request by the UPND through its spokesman Charles Kakoma who had written to ZNBC Director General Richard Mwanza requesting that Mr. Hichilema is featured on the Sunday Interview on 17 December.[51][52] The programme was prerecorded on a Thursday before at 10:30hrs and was aired on Sunday evening.[53][51]

Speeches

Hichilema was invited to speak at The Royal Institute of International Affairs, commonly known as Chatham House, on 31 November 2017.[54] He was the first Zambian to speak at Chatham House.

Personal life

Hichilema is married to Mutinta and has three children.[2] He is a member of the Seventh-day Adventist Church.[55] Hichilema is a millionaire and the second-largest cattle rancher in Zambia.[56]

In December 2014, he denied being a Freemason and labelled people accusing him as malicious.[57] He also sued Bishop Edward Chomba of the Orthodox Church for defamation after the former called him a Satanist and a Freemason.[58]

See also

References
  1. "Biography: Hakainde Hichilema". www.hh-zambia.com. Retrieved 23 January 2015.
  2. "HH's curriculum vitae". Lusaka Times. 19 September 2008. Retrieved 23 January 2015.
  3. "Zambia to hold presidential by-election on Oct.30", Xinhua, 10 September 2008.
  4. "Opposition alliance in Zambia collapse as UPND pulls out", Newstime Africa, 11 March 2011.
  5. "Zambia opposition cries foul as Lungu wins presidential election". The Daily Telegraph. 24 January 2015. Retrieved 25 January 2015.
  6. Hichilema, Hakainde (24 January 2015). "Edgar Lungu steals election". hh-zambia.com. Archived from the original on 27 January 2015. Retrieved 25 January 2015.
  7. "Zambia's President Edgar Lungu declared election winner". BBC News. 15 August 2016. Retrieved 29 September 2016.
  8. Mfula, Chris (18 April 2017). "Zambian opposition leader charged with trying to overthrow government". Reuters. Retrieved 19 April 2017.
  9. https://www.lusakatimes.com/2017/08/16/hh-walks-freedom-state-enters-nolle-prosequi-treason-case/
  10. http://www.daily-mail.co.zm/dpp-drops-hh-case/
  11. Catholic Bishops condemn HH arrest, say Zambia is now a dictatorship Lusaka Times
  12. Malema compares Zambia leader to apartheid rulers News24
  13. Mr Lungu, meanwhile, faces accusations of growing authoritarianism. BBC News
  14. Mr Hichilema was arrested in April, accused of endangering the president's life after his motorcade allegedly refused to give way to the one transporting Mr Lungu. BBC News. 16 August 2017.
  15. Hakainde Hichilema has now become famous as the man facing treason charges for what appears to be a minor traffic offence
  16. The day road rage led to a treason charge in Zambia, as democracy falters in Africa. LA Times
  17. He and his aides "strongly" denied the charge, which carries a sentence of at least 15 years. Those found guilty can also be sentenced to death. BBC News. 16 August 2017.
  18. Zambia : Police used excessive force to arrest HH and five others-Amnesty International
  19. Cops Rob Millions Of Kwacha From Hichilema's Residence In Midnight Raid
  20. POLICE STEAL FOOD FROM HICHILEMA'S HOUSE Zambian Observer
  21. Mr Hichilema was detained after armed police raided his family home, during which teargas canisters were thrown inside
  22. Police on Monday night raided Hakainde's house in New Kasama gassing him out including his wife and children
  23. USA denounces brutal arrest of Hichilema Zambian Watchdog
  24. US, EU Condemn Hichilema Arrest, Treason Charge | Zambia Reports
  25. Human rights: H. Hichilema in Zambia, Dr Gudina in Ethiopia, South Sudan | News | European Parliament
  26. Zambia : HH's arrest is unacceptable- Africa Liberal Network
  27. Catholic Bishops condemn HH arrest, say Zambia is now a dictatorship
  28. "Lungu, you are a coward. Allow the opposition to oppose you. If you are a true leader, you will defeat them properly not through arrest," Malema said News24
  29. Maimane prevented from entering Zambia
  30. Maimane had strongly denounced the trumped up charges against Hichilema, and had condemned the African National Congress government for not yet taking a stand against his treason charges. eNCA
  31. BBC World News - HARDtalk, Hakainde Hichilema
  32. [stream.aljazeera.com/story/201705301734-0025446]
  33. Kenneth Kaunda Turned Away From Visiting Hichilema In Prison
  34. Former Nigerian President Obasanjo goes to visit HH in prison – Mwebantu
  35. Secretary-General meets Zambian president and opposition leader | The Commonwealth
  36. Zambia's president declares state of emergency and sparked authoritarian rule concerns — Quartz
  37. Zambian President Edgar Lungu this month imposed a state of emergency, a move critics see as an effort to tighten his grip on power News24
  40. Zambia: Hakainde Hichilema released from jail to jubilant reception, more popular than ever Daily Maverick
  41. Statement By Kofi Annan Following The Release Of Hakainde Hichilema
  43. Hakainde Hichilema's Prison Diary: Events of the day in and outside Prison: Fredrick Misebezi: 9781980573630: Amazon.com: Books
  44. Hakainde Hichilema's Prison Diary (Book) Released On The Market And Selling At A Very Fast Rate!!!
  45. And Mr Hichilema has endorsed the book and urged the public to read it
  46. "Zambia : HH warned and cautioned". LusakaTimes.com. 23 December 2020. Retrieved 23 December 2020.
  47. "Zambia : Police reportedly shoot dead State Prosecutor and UPND supporter in attempt to disperse crowds". LusakaTimes.com. 23 December 2020. Retrieved 23 December 2020.
  48. "HH conferred with Africa Freedom Award". zambia24.com. Retrieved 16 November 2017.
  49. "Hakainde Hichilema, HARDtalk - BBC World News". BBC. Retrieved 16 November 2017.
  50. "Sunday interview: it was a very bad night for Grevazio". zambianobserver.com. Retrieved 2 January 2017.
  51. "ZNBC grants HH Sunday Interview slot". themastonline.com. Retrieved 2 January 2017.
  52. "HH writes ZNBC to feature on Sunday Interview". lusakatimes.com. Retrieved 2 January 2017.
  53. "ZNBC grants HH Sunday Interview request". lusakatimes.com. Retrieved 2 January 2017.
  54. "Political Opposition and Policy Alternatives in Zambia". Chatham House. Retrieved 16 November 2017.
  55. "HH: I am not a Masonist, I am Christian and a church elder at SDA". Lusaka Times. 24 December 2014. Retrieved 23 January 2015.
  56. Laing, Aislinn (19 January 2015). "Africa needs leaders to run countries like CEOs, Zambia's opposition leader says". The Daily Telegraph. Ndola. Retrieved 23 January 2015.
  57. "HH: I am an Adventist, I am a Christian, I don't know what Freemasonry is". Lusaka Times. 19 December 2014. Retrieved 23 January 2015.
  58. "HH sues Bishop Chomba for calling him a Satanist and Freemason". Lusaka Times. 25 December 2015. Retrieved 23 January 2015.
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