The Zambia Police Service is on high alert following credible intelligence that certain groups and individuals are planning to disrupt Tuesday’s presidential inauguration ceremony, Inspector General Graphel Musamba has said.
Speaking in Lusaka, Musamba said police had received specific information that some people were mobilising to incite members of the public into unlawful processions and protests, both before and during the swearing-in of President-elect Hakainde Hichilema at National Heroes Stadium.
“Any person who participates in, organises, facilitates or otherwise supports unlawful activities will be dealt with firmly in accordance with the law,” Musamba said.
He disclosed that some of the planned activity was linked to anger over the continued detention of suspects currently held by police, and warned that efforts were under way to mobilise members of the public around that grievance specifically.
Musamba was careful to acknowledge that the right to freedom of assembly and association remains guaranteed under Article 21 of the Constitution, but stressed that this right is not without limits.
“No democratic right can be used as a license for lawlessness,” he said. “The exercise of freedom must always be balanced against the collective need for public safety, the protection of property, and the rights of other citizens.”
The warning comes at a delicate moment for the country. President Hichilema was re-elected in the August 13 general election, but the aftermath has been marked by disputed results in several constituencies, the arrest of opposition leaders Brian Mundubile and Makebi Zulu on treason-related allegations, and a wave of election petitions now before the High Court.
Musamba said all persons currently in police custody were being accorded their full constitutional and legal rights, and urged the public not to be swayed by narratives suggesting otherwise.
“The public is urged to remain calm, law abiding and cooperative with law enforcement agencies during this period,” he said.
He said security threats at key government installations had already been contained, and that the state would not tolerate further attempts at disruption.
“Security threats at key government premises have already been contained, and the state will not tolerate further disruption,” he said.
The Inspector General’s statement follows weeks of political tension since the election, including violent detentions, disputed vote tallies and a security incident in Lusaka’s Mandevu constituency that has since forced a fresh parliamentary election there.
Preparations for the inauguration itself have continued largely unaffected by the security concerns. Secretary to the Cabinet Patrick Kangwa has led several inspections of National Heroes Stadium in recent days, and international dignitaries, including a special envoy from Chinese President Xi Jinping, are expected to attend the September 1 ceremony.
Analysts say the police warning underscores the fragility of the post-election period even as the country prepares to mark what should be a moment of democratic continuity. Musamba said his officers would continue monitoring the situation and would act against anyone whose conduct threatens public peace and security in the days ahead.
Civil society organisations have called for calm from all sides, urging both citizens and security agencies to exercise restraint as the inauguration approaches.
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