ZAMBIA’S President Hakainde Hichilema has issued a stern warning to cabinet ministers who have been caught dozing off during official meetings, calling the behaviour a serious lapse in judgement and discipline. According to a report by the BBC, the president linked the issue to what he described as ‘indulgence’ and a lack of self-control among some government officials.
Speaking on Monday during the swearing-in of newly appointed Local Government Minister Gift Sialubalo, President Hichilema expressed frustration over repeated instances of inattentiveness during high-level sessions.
‘In cabinet, somebody’s sleeping at 10 hours – the question is, where were they… if you can start conking out at that hour?’ he asked, labelling such conduct ‘a serious crime’.
While he did not specify the meaning of ‘indulgence’, local Zambian media have widely interpreted the term as referring to excessive alcohol consumption and late-night partying. Hichilema suggested that such behaviours could compromise cabinet confidentiality and affect the timely delivery of government services.
State secrets and accountability
The president further cautioned that ministers who reveal sensitive government information—especially via social media during informal settings like ‘happy hours’—pose a risk to national security. Without naming individuals, he noted that some cabinet members had developed a tendency to share confidential details in public spaces, urging self-discipline and restraint.
‘I’ve advised cabinet that we must practise self-censure,’ Hichilema said. ‘When you’re in public office, you must have the self-control not to over-indulge.’
He underscored the importance of staying alert and focused, especially when serving in leadership roles. ‘So how do you participate in a meeting when you are sleeping? The message is very clear: you are not interested in cabinet deliberations on behalf of Zambians,’ he added.
Reform, re-election and discipline
Since taking office in 2021, Hichilema has made performance and accountability key pillars of his administration, which he hopes to extend with a second-term bid in 2026. During his tenure, he has dismissed several senior government officials over non-performance and ethical issues.
While he did not mention any specific names in his recent address, the president’s public remarks signal a shift from private reprimands to open accountability. His comments come amid rising political tension as former president Edgar Lungu eyes a potential comeback, despite currently being barred from contesting elections.
President Hichilema concluded his remarks with a biblical reference, warning that a lack of discipline in public life can lead to ‘self-destruction.’
