Zambia’s President Hakainde Hichilema was forced to abandon his address at Chiwempala Market in Chingola after a crowd of angry miners turned the meeting violent.
Videos shared online showed a distressed Hichilema standing amid the chaos, with his aides and close protection officers shielding him as stones were hurled toward the podium.
In one instance, an officer lifted a chair to block the rain of stones. Shouts and chants grew louder as the President and his security team scrambled to safety.
According to Lusaka Times, the disruption was reportedly caused by Senseli Mine small-scale miners, who were unhappy with issues surrounding their mining operations.
Hichilema, who came to speak to market traders and residents as part of his Copperbelt outreach program, had planned to highlight government efforts in the mining sector and community development.
Speaking after the incident, police spokesperson Rae Hamoonga said the crowd became violent when officers attempted to restore order.
“For security reasons, the President was safely whisked away and escorted to the landing pad at Chikola Secondary School grounds,” he told Mwebantu.
“However, the violent mob followed the presidential motorcade, throwing stones at vehicles. In the process, a police Toyota Land Cruiser was attacked, its windscreen completely shattered before being overturned and set ablaze.”
The mob also destroyed a presidential holding tent, one floor carpet, two carpet runners, a presidential portrait, and a coffee table, according to Hamoonga.
Police have since arrested two suspects: Abraham Chilumbu, 24, and Abraham Sichone, 21, a bar attendant, who remain in custody and are expected to appear in court soon.
Calm has since been restored in Chingola, and police have intensified patrols.
President Hichilema, in a Facebook post, later addressed the matter.
"This afternoon, we took time to address our people in Chingola's Chiwempala area following the unfortunate event that saw the biggest market burn to ashes here on the Copperbelt. Our people also raised very pertinent issues affecting them in regards to the mine and their desire to continue mining at Senseli. The message is loud and clear and we will work around the clock and ensure that this is done," he wrote.
Hakainde Hichilema, often referred to as “HH,” is Zambia’s seventh President.
A businessman and longtime opposition leader, he rose to power after defeating incumbent Edgar Lungu in the 2021 elections, following multiple unsuccessful bids for the presidency.
His rise marked a shift in Zambian politics, as he campaigned on promises of economic reform, anti-corruption measures, and greater transparency in governance.
