Zambian President Hakainde Hichilema was sworn in for a second term at the National Heroes Stadium in the capital Lusaka on Tuesday, following a victory in last month's disputed election.
At the ceremony, his main election rival Brian Mundubile was in detention facing treason charges, amid ongoing allegations of vote rigging.
Leaders and senior officials from several countries, including the United States and China, attended the event. In his speech, Hichilema pledged to govern the nation with a spirit of equality.
“We accept your support with humility and understand the responsibility it places on our shoulders. To those who chose a different candidate or party, we sincerely say: We have heard you,” Hichilema said.
A day after the August 13 election, police raided the home of runner-up Brian Mundubile, and a former cabinet minister was shot dead during the incident. Mundubile and his running mate Makebi Zulu were arrested on Thursday on treason charges, after spending two weeks hiding at an international human rights organization.
Police have not provided details of the charges. Both men deny any wrongdoing. About a dozen other opposition figures who questioned the election results have also been arrested. The government unexpectedly shut down the country's courts last week.
Human Rights Watch, based in the United States, criticized the move, saying it prevents the opposition from filing legal challenges related to the election.
Hichilema was re-elected with 60% of the vote, while Mundubile secured 38% but alleged the election was rigged.
Speaking before thousands of supporters at the inauguration, Hichilema pledged to continue improving Zambia's economy. During his first term, he oversaw the restructuring of national debt, attracted international investment, and reduced inflation.
His running mate, Mutale Nalumango, was also sworn in as vice president during the same ceremony.
Tanzanian President Samia Suluhu Hassan was among the guests and congratulated Hichilema on social media platform X. The presidents of Botswana, Kenya, and Zimbabwe also attended.
