Hopewell Chin’ono@daddyhope
Zambian President Hakainde Hichilema is now urging support for the removal of the two five-year term limits from Zambia’s constitution for mayors and councils, arguing that “good” leaders “can continue if the people want you.”
It always starts with removing term limits for lower offices, just as it did in Zimbabwe, where it began with the Chief Justice. Then there is a precedent!
I need to write a book on Africa’s so-called good opposition leaders who become monsters once in power—they are too many to mention, including in Zambia.
Sadly, they always have a core support base that will defend even the most ridiculous proposals. From accusing Kaunda of being a foreigner, to jailing opposition leaders—as happened to Hichilema himself—to now chasing after corpses, the script never changes.
This is one of the most painful and consistent tragedies in African politics; the transformation of promising opposition figures into the very tyrants they once opposed.
Hichilema’s rise was built on the language of democracy, accountability, and constitutionalism.
To now hear him flirting with the removal of term limits is not just ironic; it is dangerous.
It mirrors the behaviour of many African leaders who start off preaching reform but end up entrenching themselves in power using the very tools they once criticised.
I laughed when Hichilema said, “if the people still love you.” He should not worry, “the people” can always be forced to love you, just as Mugabe stayed for 37 years on the basis of “the people.”
Strong institutions are built on systems, not individuals. Term limits prevent the personalisation of the state, ensuring institutions serve the public—not one man or party.
