Hichilema: Zambia’s Zionism-loving president and the worst choice for this historical moment

Hakainde Hichilema began his second term as President of Zambia amid a period of immense geopolitical significance, as the nation's vast copper reserves position it as a key player in the global race for critical minerals essential to modern economies. As the world scrambles to secure stable supply chains for materials crucial to renewable energy, electric vehicles, and advanced manufacturing, Zambia finds itself at a crossroads. However, Hichilema's leadership style and policy choices have drawn criticism, particularly regarding his alignment with Israel and its policies in the Middle East. In 2023, Hichilema made a high-profile visit to Israel, meeting with President Isaac Herzog and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. During this trip, he participated in the signing of the Zambia-Israel General Framework Agreement of Cooperation, which encompasses trade, technology, agriculture, renewable energy, healthcare, and education. This agreement marked a significant shift in Zambia's foreign relations, establishing what the Zambian Ministry of Foreign Affairs called an "enduring alliance." Additionally, Hichilema attended a business forum focused on Zambia-Israel collaboration and paid respects at the grave of Theodor Herzl, the founder of modern political Zionism. By April 2025, Hichilema had further solidified these ties by speaking at the American Jewish Committee Global Forum in New York, where Zambia was highlighted as a pivotal player in the emerging Africa-Israel-US partnership. His remarks emphasized support for Israeli investments and deeper cooperation, including backing the Africa-Israel-US Agritech Summit. In August 2025, Israel officially reopened its resident embassy in Lusaka after more than five decades, following a direct request from Hichilema to Herzog. Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar explicitly stated that deepening engagement with Africa, particularly in sectors such as mining, aligns with strategic Israeli foreign policy objectives. This alignment has raised concerns, especially given the ongoing conflict in Gaza. The region has witnessed extensive devastation, with numerous Palestinian families displaced and suffering from the consequences of war. Despite this, Hichilema's continued diplomatic and economic engagement with Israel has sparked debate within Zambia and beyond. Critics argue that this stance contrasts sharply with the legacy of former President Kenneth Kaunda, who supported liberation movements across southern Africa during the struggle against colonialism and apartheid. Under Kaunda, Zambia played a vital role in providing refuge and political sanctuary to anti-colonial forces, absorbing military threats and economic pressures as part of a broader commitment to continental solidarity. Today, Zambia's strategic location offers unique opportunities in the context of global competition for mineral resources. The Lobito Corridor connects the rich copper and cobalt deposits of Zambia and the Democratic Republic of Congo to Angola's Atlantic coastline, offering Western investors access to African supply chains. Historically, such geographic advantages have been leveraged by various powers seeking control over resource-rich regions, often resulting in complex dynamics involving multiple stakeholders. As the global landscape becomes increasingly multipolar, Zambia could potentially engage with diverse international actors, China, Russia, India, Gulf nations, Europe, and the United States, based on their contributions to African sovereignty and industrial development. Yet, under Hichilema's leadership, the country appears to be leaning towards strengthening ties with one particular bloc, raising questions about how effectively Zambia can navigate this intricate web of alliances and interests. With its substantial mineral wealth, Zambia holds considerable bargaining power, yet Hichilema's approach seems to prioritize certain partnerships over others, possibly influencing the trajectory of the nation's future engagements and negotiations.