President Hakainde Hichilema's recent address in Choma has drawn significant criticism for its divisive rhetoric and alleged political maneuvering, overshadowing his initial call for unity. Concerns have been raised regarding his account of how Bill 7 was passed, suggesting less democratic collaboration and more political strategy, thereby casting doubt on the integrity of the constitutional process and public will.

Equally troubling were the President’s remarks concerning Southern Province, which suggested a systematic and targeted approach to identifying and harming individuals based on provincial affiliation. Critics, including Frank, described this as questionable and deeply divisive, raising serious questions about the criteria used, identification methods, and the purpose of such a narrative beyond deepening national division. Further compounding the situation, some speakers who followed the President engaged in rhetoric bordering on hate speech, despite the government's official condemnation and prosecution of such acts, setting a dangerous precedent as the country approaches the 2026 elections.

Fred M’membe, President of the Socialist Party, unequivocally condemned the President's utterances as reckless, irresponsible, and deeply troubling. M’membe characterized them as emotive, divisive reasoning coupled with unsubstantiated allegations devoid of verifiable evidence. He highlighted the disturbing suggestion that violence would return if the President were to lose power, posing critical questions: Is Mr. Hichilema presenting himself as the sole guarantor of safety for Southern Province, tying their security to his continued presidency? Is he implying that a peaceful alternation of power is dangerous and that Tongas must rule forever for their safety? Is he suggesting that citizens from Southern Province must identify with him politically or face victimization? And is he reducing the democratic right to choose leaders into a fear-motivated survival calculation?

M’membe asserted that weaponizing fear, ethnic identity, and political loyalty by connecting voter safety to incumbency and tribe poses a serious threat to Zambia’s democracy, national unity, and long-term security. He emphasized that Zambia's history includes seven presidents since 1964, none of whom conditioned citizen safety on their tenure. He labeled the fabrication of marginalization tales to inflame tribal loyalty as a calculated betrayal, a cynical manipulation that converts community bonds into instruments of division, replacing evidence with emotion and dialogue with demonization.

Another observer, MK09.01.2026, recounted instances from the Choma rally, including alleged