The Fugu Saga: Zambian president speaks on cultural representation

President of Zambia, Hakainde Hichilema says African leaders should dress to portray the continent as is done in the Western world and in Asia.

President Hichilema said this on 6 January 2026 at an event held in Lusaka, Zambia to honour President Mahama’s State visit to Zambia, from 4 January 2026 to 6 January 2026

This statement was made after Zambians mocked President Mahama’s Fugu or Batakari, known in English as smock, when President Mahama wore a Fugu to meet Zambian President who was in a suit.

In a report by Agnes Fynn of Asaase Radio, the actions of Zambians sparked outrage among Ghanaians on social media, and even a post by Ghanaian YouTuber and streamer, Kobby Winkler Ackon, popularly known as Wode Maya, correcting Zambians on the cultural and symbolic meaning of the Fugu.

“Look at the successful countries around the world, what do you see in the Japanese? What they do is embedded in their culture. What do you see in the Germans? What do you see in the Chinese? What do you see in the Indians? The explosion of the Indian Economy is anchored in their culture”, said President Hichilema.

He also commended Ghana’s Foreign Affairs Minister for wearing a Fugu to the ceremony in honour of President Mahama.

“I am very happy that Foreign Minister, you are dressed like that”, President Hichilema told Okudzeto Ablakwa.

Reporting by Agnes Fynn