CF Questions President Hichilema Over Tanzania Inauguration LUSAKA, Monday November 3, 2025 — The Citizens First (CF) Party has questioned President Hakainde Hichilema’s consistency to democracy and credibility in elections within the region.
In a statement by CF President Harry Kalaba, the party expressed concern over the Head of State’s planned attendance of Tanzanian President Samia Suluhu Hassan’s inauguration, following elections that were reportedly marred in violence and the arrest of opposition leaders.
Mr. Kalaba noted that the confirmation of President Hichilema’s attendance, seems hypocritical to when President Hichilema chose not to attend the 2023 inauguration of Zimbabwean President Emmerson Mnangagwa citing concerns with the nature of that election – which were sanctioned by both SADC and the African Union (AU).
He added that hypocritical associations like this will only diminish Zambia’s credibility and moral authority as a diplomatic to engage around the region.
“Zambia needs principled leadership, that applies democratic and electoral values consistently, not selectively,” Kalaba said.
The CF President has also urged the Presidency to clarify our position to support elections that may be characterized as undemocratic.