By Mubanga Mubanga
President Hakainde Hichilema has congratulated Donald Trump on retaining power in the United States of America, stating that he had fond memories of his solidarity and support during his most difficult times in the opposition.
And former president Edgar Lungu said in apparent reference to President Hichilema – that the rest of the world must take a leaf from the United States that in a democracy, candidates must be allowed to run their race instead of being stopped from participating in the elections.
In his congratulatory message, President Hichilema described the historic achievement of Trump being elected 45th and 47th President of the United States was not only testament to the confidence of the American people in his leadership, but a demonstration of the free will to choose their leaders.
“We have fond memories of President Trump’s solidarity and support during our most difficult times then in the opposition,” stated President Hichilema. “We therefore look forward to continuing and strengthening our bilateral cooperation and deepening the ties between our two nations.”
And Lungu commended the American justice and electoral systems for ensuring that President Donald Trump was on the ballot and contested freely by setting aside court cases as opposed to using the ‘lawfare’ to stop him from participating in the elections.
In his message to congratulate Trump, Lungu stated that the rest of the world must take a leaf from the United States that in a democracy, candidates must be allowed to run their race instead of being stopped from participating in the elections.
He congratulated President Trump for winning the most consequential Presidential poll in the history of his country.
‘If it were here, we could have said in Bemba: “Nabwelelapo pamupando” (he has bounced back into power, or he is back on the Presidential throne),” Lungu said.
He stated that despite being one of the most persecuted former presidents in America’s modern history, Trump had shown the world that political discipline and leadership tenacity, coupled with the correct and patriotic campaign messages, had the power to win the hearts of the masses.
“I speak from a place of knowledge that most Zambians, just like me, are proud of President Trump and wish him the best as he takes over the White House in January, 2025,” he stated.
Lungu also stated that although the United States appeared remote for many ordinary folks in Zambia, what happened in that country had a direct universal impact politically, economically and diplomatically as the world shrunk into a global community.
“For example, we sincerely hope that President Trump will help to mediate and end the Gaza-Israel conflict as well as Russia-Ukraine war,” Lungu stated.
“In like manner, allow me to also commend the American justice and electoral systems for ensuring that President Trump was on the ballot and contested freely by setting aside court cases as opposed to using the ‘lawfare’ to stop him from participating in the elections.”
The former head of state also commended Vice-President Kamala Harris for having mounted a spirited campaign and hoped that Zambia could learn a lot from this election.
