Focus on Africa Zambia President Faces Backlash Over Constitution Amendments
Dec 1, 2025
In this discussion, Aaron Gambi, a Zambian geopolitical analyst, delves into President Hakainde Hichilema's controversial constitutional amendments and their unsettling implications for democracy and the upcoming elections. He highlights the growing discontent among younger Zambians and the administration's unmet promises. Meanwhile, Jesse Rowlands shares insights on the impactful Zimbabwean short film "Rise," revealing its authentic storytelling, the importance of an all-African cast, and the Hollywood attention it has garnered, including potential Oscar consideration.
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Slippery Slope Of Local Term Changes
- Aaron Gambi argues Zambia's Bill 7 starts with local term-limit removals as a stepping stone to broader changes.
- Civil society fears this could normalize removing presidential limits and entrench incumbents.
Oasis Forum Refused To 'Sanitize' Process
- Beauty Kateba describes Oasis Forum being invited to 'dialogue' to sanitise a flawed process and refusing to comply.
- She says the group insisted the government withdraw Bill 7 and start the process properly.
Why Leaders Push Constitutional Changes
- Aaron Gambi notes leaders often remove limits after promising to uphold constitutions once in power.
- He believes Zambia's backlash makes success for Hichilema less likely than in other African cases.