Metro

Balancing press freedom, state control in Zambia: The struggle for media independence

Published

2 months ago

August 24, 2024

The music that guides a dancer’s movements is crafted by the instrumentalist, much like how the press, known as the “fourth estate,” plays a crucial role in a democracy through its level of freedom.

However, while “freedom of the press” is often touted by politicians to project a democratic image, the real measure of media freedom lies in whether journalists can report accurately, truthfully and objectively without facing intimidation or pressure, regardless of the political status of the subject.

This raises crucial questions: Who controls the media, and how does such control affect the key players in this field?

Read More: Zambia’s media freedom promises questioned amidst threats, intimidation, by Hannet Mwimbe

Caroline Katotobwe, Executive Director for the Centre for Policy Dialogue, highlighted in a 2022 blog post that in many countries, journalists and civil society leaders who investigate and criticise corruption, trafficking and human rights violations face significant risks.

She noted that the freedom of expression in Zambia, guaranteed under Article 20(3)(c) of the Constitution, was historically undermined by laws such as criminal libel and defamation before these were revoked.

Katotobwe pointed to an Amnesty International report from June 2021, which observed an environment of fear in Zambia, where human rights defenders, including journalists, lived under constant threat of arrest, intimidation and violence.

Her personal experience in the media world echoed these concerns, as she found the need to self-censor to avoid potentially severe consequences from powerful and influential politicians.

These issues highlighted the importance of media independence, emphasizing that journalists must operate without state regulations or fear in order to function freely.

For instance, a publication from ‘Support the Guardian’ reported that the Zambian government had intensified its harassment of independent media outlets by arresting journalists and blocking two news websites.

Furthermore, in a statement released in Lusaka on August 17, 2024, Acting Spokesperson, Simon Mulumbi, of the Human Rights Commission urged the public to exercise their freedom of expression responsibly, particularly on social media.

However, the term “responsibly” was left undefined, raising concerns about its potential misuse to curb free speech.

In conclusion, Katotobwe’s observations reveal that in many countries, including Zambia, journalists face significant risks when investigating corruption and human rights abuses.

This underscored the need for an environment where they can work without fear of intimidation.

The repressive actions reported by ‘Support the Guardian’ and the ambiguous call for ‘responsible’ expression by Mulumbi reflect the ongoing challenges to media freedom.

For journalists to truly fulfill their role in a democracy, they must be able to operate without state interference or fear of reprisal—a principle that remained crucial for the functioning of a free and fair society.

This story is sponsored by Project Aliyense.

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Metro

All the choices we have made are for sustainable, inclusive growth— Tinubu

Published

3 hours ago

October 9, 2024

Isaac Dachen

Nigeria’s President Bola Tinubu has reiterated that all the choices his administration has made since assuming office 17 months ago have been made to stop the country’s decline and put it on a path to sustainable and inclusive growth.

Tinubu, who made the assertion at the 54th Annual Accountants Conference in Abuja on Tuesday, said it was encouraging that Nigeria’s Gross Domestic Product growth for the first and second quarters of 2024 was positive, giving credence to his reforms and policies.

The president, who was represented by Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, Alhaji Abubakar Bagudu, noted that it was gladdening that inflation was on a downward trend, and the foreign exchange market was stabilising, with encouraging investment signals.

“We are continuing with innovative reform measures: digitisation of revenue collection and government services, consumer credit system to boost manufacturing and enable access to goods and services,” Tinubu said in his address to the audience.

“Our reforms include removing punitive subsidies to the economy. Revenue bleeding has reduced, and the three tiers of government are receiving higher allocations, which enable more support to vulnerable populations.

“Social investment spending is increasing, the minimum wage has increased, student loans are available, and interventions to support NANO, MSME, farming, fishing, and the livestock sector have increased.

“Our collective vision for Nigeria’s future is anchored on strengthening our institutions and nurturing a pervasive culture of accountability,” he said.

He added that his government was committed to leveraging cutting-edge technologies to boost transparency and efficiency and cultivate strategic partnerships to pave the way for sustainable development.

Metro

10 Zambian miners confirmed dead, 20 feared trapped in Mumbwa mine tragedy

Published

21 hours ago

October 8, 2024

Isaac Dachen

At least 10 Zambian miners have been confirmed dead, with 20 others feared missing after the collapse of the Lwiili Mine located in the Mumbwa region.

The devastating accident, which was confirmed by the Member of Parliament representing Nangoma, Collins Nzovu, and the Zambia Police, was said to have occured on Monday.

Search efforts are ongoing to locate the missing miners.

“I regret to confirm a tragic mining accident at Lwiili Mine in Nangoma, where 20 lives are feared lost. As of now, nine bodies have been retrieved, with 10 confirmed dead,” Nzovu stated in a video posted on his official Facebook account.

He also stated that President Hakainde Hichilema and Vice President Mutale Nalumango had been informed of the incident and urged residents and the bereaved to remain calm.

The Central Province Police Chief, Charity Chanda, who also confirmed the incident in a statement, said five miners were also injured.

“An unknown number of people were conducting mining activities when the earth collapsed on them,” Chanda said.

He added that rescue teams recovered six injured miners, but one later died at Nangoma Mission Hospital.

The police chief also said bodies of the deceased have been taken to Mumbwa General Hospital Mortuary, while the injured are receiving treatment at Nangoma Mission Hospital.