Zambian President Urges Citizens to Base Political Discussions on Facts

Zambian President Hakainde Hichilema has urged citizens to engage in informed and thoughtful political debate, warning that impulsive commentary and misinformation undermine national development.

Zambian President Hakainde Hichilema has called on citizens to approach political discussions with careful analysis rather than impulsive reactions, warning that superficial commentary threatens the country’s development.

Speaking in Lusaka, Hichilema stressed that complex policy decisions require a clear understanding of technical and structural constraints. He noted that misinformation spreads rapidly when public discourse ignores facts, and that uninformed debate weakens collective decision-making.

The President emphasised that responsible citizenship is measured by the quality of reasoning, not the quantity of commentary. “A society that thinks before speaking builds stronger foundations than one that talks without understanding,” Hichilema said, urging Zambians to engage with issues critically and with awareness of broader economic, social, and political realities.

Hichilema’s remarks come amid growing concern over reactionary commentary on social media and in public forums, where debates on national policy often overlook evidence and context. He argued that constructive dialogue is essential for sustainable national development and sound governance.

By promoting informed debate, the President seeks to strengthen civic responsibility and encourage citizens to participate meaningfully in shaping Zambia’s future.