ZAMBIAN PRESIDENT HICHILEMA SKIPS SADC SUMMIT IN HARARE, SPARKING QUESTIONS

In a surprising move, Zambian President Hakainde Hichilema did not attend the Southern African Development Community (SADC) organ troika summit in person. Instead, he chose to address the summit through a video link from Lusaka, Zambia’s capital. This decision has led to much talk and speculation, especially since relations between Zambia and Zimbabwe have sometimes been tense.

The SADC organ troika summit is a key meeting where leaders from the region discuss important topics. These topics include politics, defense, security cooperation, and other matters that affect the Southern African region. Hichilema, as the outgoing chairperson of the SADC organ on politics, defense, and security cooperation, played an important role in this year’s summit. He was expected to hand over the chairmanship to Tanzanian President Samia Suluhu Hassan.

Even though the summit was important, Hichilema decided not to travel to Harare, Zimbabwe, where the summit was held. Instead, he stayed in Lusaka and spoke to the summit through a video link. This is interesting because Lusaka is only a 30-minute flight from Harare, so many people are wondering why he chose not to make the short trip.

So far, no official reason has been given for Hichilema’s decision to stay in Zambia. This has led to different ideas and guesses about why he stayed home. Some people think it may have to do with the complicated and sometimes difficult relationship between Zambia and Zimbabwe. Others think there might have been security or health concerns, but no one knows for sure because nothing has been confirmed.

When President Hichilema spoke during the video call, he talked about the good work done by the SADC organ under his leadership. He spoke about efforts to make democracy stronger, to solve conflicts, and to make sure that the region stays safe and secure. Hichilema stressed how important these goals are for the peace and success of Southern Africa.

He explained how the SADC organ has worked hard to support democracy in the region. This includes helping to make sure that elections in the member countries are free and fair. The organ has also encouraged governments in the region to practice good governance. Hichilema also mentioned that the SADC organ has played a key role in helping to resolve conflicts. It has helped countries settle disputes with each other and within their own borders peacefully. He said that all this work is important for keeping the region stable.

As Hichilema handed over the chairmanship to President Hassan of Tanzania, he said he was sure that she would continue to lead the organ well. He pointed out that Tanzania has a long history of helping to keep peace in the region. He added that he is confident that the SADC organ will keep doing good work under her leadership.

The decision of President Hichilema to skip the summit in person has raised many questions. Some people wonder if this is a sign that there are deeper problems between Zambia and Zimbabwe. Others think it could have just been a matter of convenience or caution for Hichilema. Without an official explanation, no one can be sure what the real reason was.

However, what is clear is that the work of the SADC organ is very important for the region. The challenges of strengthening democracy, solving conflicts, and keeping the region safe are big ones. Leaders in the region have an important role to play in addressing these issues. Hichilema’s comments during the summit showed that he is committed to these goals, even though his decision to stay in Lusaka raised eyebrows.

Now that President Hassan is the new chairperson of the SADC organ, all eyes will be on her to see how she leads. People will want to see if she continues the work Hichilema started in making democracy, peace, and security stronger in Southern Africa.