Political intimidation and harassment are major hindrances to media freedom and freedom of expression in Zambia, according to Mary Mulenga, a Kasama entrepreneur.

Mulenga, who runs a mobile booth in the Central Business District of Kasama District, stated that these issues were also leading some journalists to become political cadres for the ruling party, as had been seen in the past.

Zambia Monitor was in Kasama District of Northern Province to gauge public knowledge on media freedom, the Cybersecurity Act, and freedom of expression when they spoke with Mulenga.

She said that although media freedom and freedom of expression existed in Zambia, many journalists and ordinary citizens self-censor due to fear of repercussions.

“We have seen journalists being summoned by the police for publishing stories deemed anti-government, creating fear and leading some to write pro-government content,” Mulenga stated.

She also highlighted that some journalists support the government to secure appointments to various positions, especially as Public Relations Officers in local authorities.

“When late President Michael Sata formed the government, he appointed many journalists who supported him while in opposition to various positions, such as First Secretary for Press in diplomatic missions, which compromised them,” Mulenga said.

On the Cybersecurity Act, Mulenga noted with sadness that authorities act quickly on politically inclined social media posts but are slow to address the bullying of ordinary citizens online.

She said that many ordinary citizens were bullied online, reducing their chances of participating in discussions on platforms like X-spaces, Facebook, LinkedIn, and other social media pages.

“A section of society that authorities ignore is the disabled or differently abled. These people are harassed on social media, and everyone turns a blind eye. Older women are another category that is bullied,” Mulenga stated.

She emphasized the need for authorities to apply the law fairly and protect all citizens from harassment in cyberspace.

This story is sponsored content from Zambia Monitor’s Project Aliyense.

Vice President Kashim Shettima has assured Nigerians that President Bola Tinubu is determined to tackle the security challenges facing the nation in no time.

Shettima, who gave the assurance on Wednesday in Kano while receiving a high-powered presidential delegation to console him on the recent loss of his mother-in-law, Hajiya Maryam Albishir, said Tinubu had the interest of the country at heart with genuine leadership, and meant well for the nation.

“No matter how long the night is, it must give way to the light of dawn. Granted, we are facing security challenges across this country, but the President is determined to redefine the meaning and concept of modern leadership and determined to address the problem of insecurity facing the entire nation,” Shettima said.

“I wish to call on all of us to rally around him and see to it that we salvage this nation together.

“It’s not a game of apportioning blame. It’s a game of making this country work and if Nigeria works, Africa works.

“Everyone that has come here is welcomed by the Governor. We have gone beyond politics.

“We are now in the phase of governance and what binds us together triumphs over whatever that divides us,” the VP added.