Zambian President evacuated after stone-throwing incident

Zambian President Hakainde Hichilema abruptly stopped his speech and was rushed to safety after an unidentified person began throwing stones toward the podium during his visit to the Copperbelt Province. Hichilema was speaking at the Chiwempala market in Chingola, which had recently been destroyed by fire. During the visit, he pledged 10 million Zambian kwacha to assist traders affected by the blaze. Videos circulating on social media showed the president pausing mid-speech and glancing to the side before his security team quickly escorted him away as stones were hurled toward the stage. Lo

Zambian President Hakainde Hichilema abruptly stopped his speech and was rushed to safety after an unidentified person began throwing stones toward the podium during his visit to the Copperbelt Province. Hichilema was speaking at the Chiwempala market in Chingola, which had recently been destroyed by fire. During the visit, he pledged 10 million Zambian kwacha to assist traders affected by the blaze. Videos circulating on social media showed the president pausing mid-speech and glancing to the side before his security team quickly escorted him away as stones were hurled toward the stage. Local media reported that the disturbance was linked to small-scale miners from the Senseli area who were demanding that their mining operations be allowed to resume. The Senseli mine has been the site of past unrest. In 2023, a major accident there claimed at least 27 lives after a tunnel collapse. Recovery efforts were later suspended to protect rescuers from further danger. Officials confirmed that President Hichilema was unharmed and safely evacuated from the area. He later appealed for calm and urged dialogue to address the miners’ grievances.