Zambia courts inaccessible as election petition deadline approaches

Zambia’s capital, Lusaka, is gearing up for President Hakainde Hichilema’s second inauguration, scheduled for 24 August 2024. Officials have confirmed that the ceremony will take place at the National Assembly Building, with the new presidential oath‑taking set to follow the traditional procession through the city’s main avenues. Security arrangements have been intensified, with the Presidential Guard, the Zambia Police Service, and the Army’s 1st Infantry Brigade coordinating a comprehensive perimeter and crowd‑control plan.

The administration has also announced a series of pre‑inaugural events aimed at showcasing the country’s progress under Hichilema’s first term. These include a public forum on economic reforms, a cultural showcase featuring traditional music and dance, and a series of meetings between the President and key stakeholders in the private sector. In addition, the government has pledged to release a detailed budget for the new term during the inauguration, emphasizing commitments to infrastructure development and social services.

As the date approaches, the government has urged citizens to remain calm and to respect the security protocols in place. The inauguration is expected to be a symbol of Zambia’s democratic continuity, with the President’s second term set to begin following the formal oath‑taking and the official handover of the presidential seal.