“Peace is not merely the absence of conflict; it is the presence of understanding.” — Julius K. Nyerere
President Hakainde Hichilema’s visit to Tanzania has ignited debate across Zambia and the region, yet much of the criticism appears misplaced when viewed through the lens of history, diplomacy, and regional stability.
What transpired in Dodoma was not a casual political courtesy call but an act steeped in the long-standing brotherhood between two nations whose destinies have been intertwined since the era of Dr. Kenneth Kaunda and Mwalimu Julius Nyerere. 
Standing in Dodoma recently, President Hichilema delivered a mother of all speech during the inauguration of Tanzanian President Samia Suluhu Hassan.
The atmosphere was tense — curfews, internet restrictions, armed patrols, and allegations of a disputed 97 per cent victory hung in the air.
Yet, the Zambian leader’s presence and words embodied the delicate balance between principle and pragmatism.
He congratulated President Suluhu, urging her to “lead all Tanzanians, including those who did not vote for her.”
The statement was diplomatic but profound and an acknowledgement of the contested circumstances, coupled with a call for unity and inclusion.
President Hichilema’s appeal for peace drew from his own political odyssey of 15 years in opposition, countless detentions, and yet no call to arms.
“Peace comes first,” he said.
The message resonated beyond Tanzania’s borders: it was a caution against glorifying violence as a means to power and a reflection of the painful lessons Africa has learned from unrest.
Critics at home, however, have sought to twist this statesmanship into controversy. Opposition figures in Zambia are often quick to exploit regional events for domestic gain. They accused the president of endorsing tyranny.
Yet such accusations ignore the broader truth. Diplomacy is not endorsement. It is engagement for the sake of stability, and stability is what sustains economies, trade routes, and peace.
A Legacy of brotherhood,
Zambia and Tanzania share a deep-rooted friendship built on sacrifice and solidarity.
The two nations stood shoulder to shoulder during Africa’s liberation struggles, forming the “frontline States” that supported movements for independence across Southern Africa.
Together, they built two monumental projects — TAZARA, the railway line linking Kapiri Mposhi to Dar es Salaam, and TAZAMA, the vital oil pipeline. These are physical testaments to a bond forged in vision and trust.
President Hichilema’s visit, therefore, was not a matter of political convenience but an act of continuity in that legacy.
As former Ambassador to Japan Dr. Godfrey Simasiku noted, “President Hichilema’s trip to Tanzania is a crucial step in advancing peace and unity in the region.”
Dr. Simasiku praised the president for emphasising dialogue, cooperation, and peaceful conflict resolution. These are values upon which both nations were founded.
Trade expert Edwin Makuya echoed this sentiment, stressing that Zambia’s prosperity as a land-linked nation depends on the strength of its regional partnerships.
“Our trade and growth are shaped by our relations with neighbours like Tanzania.
“Political hashtags do not transport fuel through TAZAMA or copper along TAZARA.”
Indeed, regional peace is not an abstract ideal. It is an economic lifeline.
Instability in one country easily spills across borders, as seen in Mozambique’s restive north.
President Hichilema’s reminder that “once you lose peace, you may never regain it properly,” was as much a warning to Tanzanians as it was a reflection of southern Africa’s delicate equilibrium.
Opposition Distortion and Exaggeration
Much of the outrage directed at President Hichilema’s visit has been inflamed by exaggerated narratives about Tanzania’s post-election violence.
Opposition groups, both in Zambia and Tanzania, have circulated unverified reports of over 700 deaths, painting President Samia Suluhu in the darkest of shades.
However, Tanzanian Foreign Affairs Minister Thabit Kombo has strongly refuted these claims.
In an interview with the BBC, Kombo clarified that the government is still compiling accurate reports and that it was premature to give casualty figures.
He noted that many of the figures circulating online come from politically motivated sources intent on discrediting the government.
This disinformation campaign mirrors a pattern common in polarized societies, where social media outrage often eclipses fact.
By choosing to attend the inauguration, President Hichilema stood not with a politician but with a historical ally. This is an act of faith in Tanzania’s eventual reconciliation, not an endorsement of violence or repression.
Diplomacy Beyond Sentiment
Critics, such as Citizens First leader Harry Kalaba, have argued that President Hichilema’s presence in Dodoma could strain future bilateral ties should Tanzania’s leadership change.
Yet such reasoning, especially coming from a former Foreign Affaurs Minister, misunderstands how diplomacy works.
As Kalaba himself once learned, political rhetoric in opposition often collides with the realities of statecraft once in power.
International relations are not built on personal preference but on enduring national interests.
Zambia and Tanzania share borders, pipelines, railways, and markets. To disengage over temporary political turbulence would be shortsighted and self-defeating.
As Republican Progressive Party President Leslie Chikuse rightly observed, President Hichilema’s attendance “demonstrates Zambia’s commitment to diplomacy and regional solidarity.”
In a continent too often divided by short-term politics, such gestures reaffirm the quiet strength of statesmanship.
A Balancing Act of Principle and Pragmatism
President Hichilema’s speech in Dodoma was not a celebration of power but a reminder of its responsibility. It was a statement that peace, dialogue, and inclusion remain non-negotiable values.
It was also a signal that Zambia intends to play its rightful role as a stabilising voice in the region and a bridge between competing narratives.
The condemnation of President Hichilema, therefore, is misplaced. It overlooks the weight of history, the demands of diplomacy, and the imperatives of economic interdependence.
Zambia and Tanzania have walked through decades of shared struggle and cooperation. That bond should not be diminished by temporary political storms or partisan noise.
President Hichilema’s visit was a reaffirmation of friendship, not a betrayal of principle. It reminded both nations that peace, though imperfect, remains the only soil in which democracy and development can truly grow.
In the final analysis, President Hichilema did not travel to Dodoma to take sides. He went to defend a region’s stability and honour a legacy that transcends elections.
As he himself said, “Once you lose peace, you may never regain it properly.” It is a truth that both Zambia and Tanzania, bound by history and geography, must continue to uphold.
