Kenyan President William Ruto has emphasised the importance of national unity in the aftermath of elections, saying that democracy is not truly tested when people agree, but rather when they disagree.
Speaking at President Hichilema’s inauguration in Lusaka yesterday, President Ruto urged President Hakainde Hichilema to govern for all Zambians, both those who voted for him and those who did not.
He said elections should determine who governed the country, but should never determine who belonged to the nation.
President Ruto underscored the need for leaders to unite citizens beyond political differences and work towards the common good of the nation.
He said he wished President Hichilema, his administration and the people of Zambia success as they worked to translate the renewed mandate into greater prosperity and opportunities for Zambians.
In a congratulatory message, President Ruto described Mr Hichilema’s re-election as a strong expression of the confidence Zambians had placed in his leadership and vision for the country’s transformation.
“Congratulations, my brother President Hakainde Hichilema, as you embark on a second term of service to the people of Zambia,” President Ruto said.
The President also wished President Hichilema and Vice-President Mutale Nalumango good health and success as they lead the country during their second term.
Botswana President Duma Boko wished President Hichilema and Vice-President Mutale-Nalumango abundant wisdom, excellent health and immense success as they lead Zambia forward.
President Boko said in a Facebook posting that it was a great honour to stand with the people of Zambia on the important occasion and to celebrate the continued leadership of the President, a valued partner.
Tanzanian President Samia Suluhu Hassan assured Hichilema on her Facebook posting that Tanzania would continue valuing and strengthening the fraternal, historic and strategic relations between the two countries.
And African Union (AU) Commission Chairperson Mahmoud Ali Youssouf commended Zambia for maintaining the trajectory of peaceful elections and further pledged to work with President Hichilema and his administration in promoting the continental growth agenda.
He said in a speech read for him by Hilda Suka-Mafudze that the AU was hopeful that the new term would be marked by peace, prosperity and progress for the people of Zambia.
President Youssouf was confident that President Hichilema would build upon the strong foundation of peace in the next five years.
The European Union (EU) congratulated President Hichilema on his re-election, describing the partnership between Zambia and the bloc as robust.
