President Hakainde Hichilema's recent visit to Chingola was marred by a violent incident at Chiwempala grounds, where agitated residents began throwing stones, forcing the President to cut short his address to marketeers. This unprecedented development in Zambia's political history has sparked widespread condemnation and calls for introspection across the nation.

Addressing the media in Lusaka, Mr. Mwiimbu, Minister of Home Affairs and Internal Security, condemned the incident as unacceptable, emphasizing that the Zambia Police Service and other security wings would take decisive action against the perpetrators, who will be charged in accordance with the law. He warned that the government would not tolerate acts of lawlessness that endanger public safety. Security assessments, Mr. Mwiimbu revealed, suggest the riotous behavior may have been orchestrated by unknown individuals, whose motives are yet to be established. He commended President Hichilema for exercising remarkable restraint by directing security personnel not to open fire on the unruly crowd despite the provocation.

In response to the incident, President Hichilema himself called for introspection among members of the ruling United Party for National Development (UPND). Speaking to party structures in Kitwe, he reminded them of the struggles endured while in opposition and urged them not to take the nation’s peace for granted, highlighting his oath to protect the peace and security of all Zambians. He specifically called on the youth, particularly those in Chingola, to behave responsibly and avoid acts that could destabilize the country. President Hichilema reiterated his government’s focus on uniting the nation and fostering development, underscoring that peace is essential for any progress. Furthermore, he urged UPND members across the country to work diligently ahead of next year’s general elections by mobilizing support, registering as voters, and recruiting new members, stressing the need for a strong turnout on election day to continue driving Zambia’s development agenda.

The incident drew strong reactions from various political figures. Former Patriotic Front (PF) secretary general Davies Mwila condemned the stoning of President Hichilema in the strongest terms, advocating for the removal of leaders through votes, not stones. He referenced past Zambian presidents like Edgar Lungu and Rupiah Banda who lost power democratically without such violent confrontations.

Former Labour minister Fackson Shamenda attributed the angry mob's actions to increasing hunger levels in the country. While acknowledging the act was worrying, he urged the government to ascertain the root causes and undertake a deep reflection on its governance. Shamenda noted that the incident signals growing frustration among citizens and called on the government to keenly listen to concerns and implement corrective measures. He also warned that such occurrences, if left unaddressed, could set a dangerous precedent, especially with the country already in an election mood. Adding to this, former Defence minister Richwell Siamunene blamed the Chingola incident on a lack of preparedness from the President’s security personnel.

Internally, several UPND members have also condemned the Chingola incident, joining the President in calling for an end to acts of hooliganism and violence within the party, reinforcing the collective desire for peace and adherence to democratic processes.