Hichilema opened on Tuesday morning in a ceremony attended by leaders such as Tanzanian President Samia Suluhu Hassan and Malawi leader Lazarus Chakwera.
Zambia’s second female vice president, Mutale Nalumango, was also inaugurated during the ceremony.
Hichilema defeated outgoing President Edgar Lungu in a landslide of nearly a million votes in his sixth attempt to become Zambia’s ruler.
It was an impressive change for the politician known as HH – Hichilema spent several months in prison in 2017 for what was widely regarded as politically motivated charges of treason. The charges were dropped under intense international pressure.
After initially stating that he could challenge the outcome, Lungu addressed the nation after the election, saying, “Based on the revelations published in the final results, I will comply with the constitutional provisions for a peaceful transition of power.
Despite conceding defeat prematurely, Lungu was applauded by the crowd as he headed to the stage of the hero-filled stadium in the capital Lusaka to hand over power.
Hichilema called “a new dawn in Zambia” on Tuesday in a tweet before the ceremony. “As I sit here with our vehicle driven to the Heroes’ Stadium, I see love, joy and gladness as people walk the streets along our path. I am overwhelmed with gratitude. I love you all very much. “, added. .
An example for Africa
Opposition leaders from other African countries were also invited to the event.
Nelson Chamisa, leader of the opposition in Zimbabwe, told CNN: “This is significant and fantastic for what is possible for the future of Africa. Zambia is an inspiration for the stubborn backwardness of democracy. Strong institutions are keys to an effective transfer of power and smooth transitions, “he said in a statement when asked about the importance of today ‘s inauguration.
Chamisa added that Zambia is an excellent example to emulate the continent.
“Africa in general and Zimbabwe in particular need leaders, not rulers, strong institutions, not strong men. Leaders must lead and march, serve and go. Zimbabwe must be free and democratic. Freedom can be delayed, but never denied. -la, “he said when asked. what is the message of Zimbabwe.
It is the third time that power has passed peacefully from a ruling party to the opposition since the independence of Britain’s South African country in 1964.
There was a huge turnout of young people, some who came dressed in their academic robes to protest the lack of work after graduation.
Joseph Kalimbwe, youth representative of Hichilema’s UPND party, told CNN.
“The young people gave us the vote. Four million young people between the ages of 18 and 24 signed up to vote. It was a huge turnout and it was very personal for them. They want to make sure that the mistakes of the people are corrected. His parents voted for our leader on the basis that he has better policies and ideas and can strengthen our state institutions. ”