Zambia: Hakainde Hichilema to be inaugurated as president in Lusaka Aug. 24 /update 4

Event

The inauguration ceremony of president-elect Hakainde Hichilema will take place in Lusaka Aug. 24. The ceremony will occur at National Heroes Stadium from 08:00. Road closures are likely in the vicinity of this facility ahead of and during the inauguration. The day has also been declared a public holiday.

Security personnel are likely to set up roadblocks and perform identity checks around the venue. Authorities could also increase security measures near government buildings, foreign embassies, and hotels. Traffic disruptions are likely in areas where heightened security measures are enforced, including on roads to and from Lusaka. Security personnel are also likely to temporarily close roads to prioritize official motorcade movements.

Context

Opposition leader Hakainde Hichilema of the United Party for National Development (UPND) secured victory over incumbent Edgar Lungu of the Patriotic Front (PF), with 2,810,757 votes against Lungu's 1,814,201.

This was the sixth time Hichilema had run for the presidency and the third time he has challenged incumbent Lungu.

Advice

If operating in Lusaka, exercise increased vigilance on Aug. 24. Keep away from areas where security personnel appear to be deploying. Monitor local developments. Heed all instructions from security personnel and allow additional travel time.