African Opposition Leaders Congratulate Hakainde Hichilema

African political opposition figure heads including Uganda’s Dr. Kizza Besigye and Hon. Robert Kyagulanyi Ssentamu have congratulated Zambia’s President-elect Hakainde Hichilema.

Hichilema was on Monday declared the winner of the presidential elections in his sixth attempt at the seat. He polled 2,810,777 votes against the incumbent Edgar Lungu’s 1,814,201 votes.

Kyagulanyi Ssentamu, alias Bobi Wine, who contested for Uganda’s presidency earlier this year, said Mr Hichilema’s win was not only a Zambian victory, but a victory for Africa and democracy.

His compatriot and veteran opposition leader Kizza Besigye also congratulated the president-elect on his victory.

Tanzania’s opposition leader Zitto Kabwe said Zambia had “shown the world the level of its democratic maturity.” “Peaceful transfer of power is happening.” He added.

Nelson Chamisa, a Zimbabwean opposition leader, said he was “humbled and excited” to have received a call and personally congratulated Mr Hichilema.

Kenya’s Raila Odinga congratulated the Zambian people for having made the continent “proud for conducting a successful election” amid the coronavirus pandemic.