Metro

Uncertainties in the season of Zambia’s digital rights pursuits

Published

2 weeks ago

September 2, 2024

Upholding the rule of law is fundamental to protecting human rights and dignity, ensuring justice and equality for all and promoting stability, security, and predictability.

It is also crucial for fostering economic growth and development, preventing abuse of power and corruption, and maintaining social order and cohesion.

President Hakainde Hichilema, in his inaugural speech in August 2021, pledged to restore the rule of law in Zambia, promising a departure from the country’s past governance challenges.

“We will restore the rule of law, general order in our public places and communities, and return our country back to normalcy. Read my lips, no more cadreism from any political party,” he said.

“There is space for all of you, but no space for thuggery, no space for violence. It is a new dawn for the country going forward.”

However, concerns have since emerged over the state of the rule of law in Zambia.

Issues such as the executive’s significant influence over the judiciary and legislature, judicial appointments and decision-making have raised questions about the independence of the courts.

Opposition parties continue to criticise laws like the Public Order Act and the Cyber Security Act, which they argue restrict free speech and assembly.

Several opposition parties, including the New Heritage Party and the Socialist Party, have been denied police permits to hold public rallies.

While some rallies, such as those by the United Kwacha Alliance and Citizens First party, were initially blocked, they were eventually allowed to proceed after intervention.

Opposition leaders, including former President Edgar Lungu and Socialist Party leader Dr. Fred M’membe, have voiced concerns about what they see as a shrinking space for political engagement and expression.

Civil society organizations, including ActionAid, the Non-Governmental Gender Organizations Coordinating Council (NGOCC), the Alliance for Community Action, and Chapter One Foundation, have expressed alarm over what they describe as a “shrinking space for freedom of expression and assembly.”

In a joint statement, 13 civil society organizations noted a “growing intolerance for dissent,” citing recent failures by public authorities to protect these fundamental democratic rights.

Despite these concerns, the government has maintained that Zambia’s democratic space is not shrinking.

Justice Minister Mulambo Haimbe, speaking on ZNBC TV’s Sunday Interview, stated that the current administration, in office for just over two years, is not perfect but is committed to maintaining democratic freedoms.

“We are not professing perfection; there are bound to be mistakes. However, that cannot equate to a shrinking democratic space,” Haimbe argued.

Veteran politician Vernon Johnson Mwaanga echoed this sentiment, dismissing opposition claims and asserting that Zambia has faced similar challenges before and will overcome them.

“Citizens will not allow the country to slide back to the old days,” he said. “I don’t accept these concerns because I have seen this country through ups and downs.”

However, critics highlight that free speech rights in Zambia are increasingly under threat, with journalists facing harassment, arrests, and censorship.

The government’s monitoring of online activities through the Cyber Security and Cyber Crimes Act has been another point of contention.

Recently, the Ministry of Science and Technology invoked Section 54, No. 2 of 2021, to combat online hate speech, propaganda, defamation, and child abuse.

Dr. Brilliant Habeenzu, Permanent Secretary at the Ministry, warned that the government is investing heavily in cyber infrastructure to track down and prosecute online offenders.

Public gatherings and protests are often dispersed or banned, with citizens and media outlets frequently hesitating to express dissenting views.

Stakeholders are calling for judicial reforms to enhance judicial independence and impartiality, repeal or amend restrictive laws, reduce executive influence, and protect journalists from harassment and intimidation.

By addressing these challenges, Zambia can strengthen the rule of law and expand free speech rights, enabling citizens to freely express themselves and hold those in power accountable.

This story is sponsored by Project Aliyense.

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Metro

How media training can build a resilient culture of free speech in Zambia

Published

1 hour ago

September 16, 2024

Isaac Dachen

In a democratic country like Zambia, a free and independent media is essential for holding those in power accountable, promoting transparency, good governance and facilitating public discourse.

The media shapes public opinion and fosters a culture of independence and free speech.

However, achieving a strong and independent media landscape in Zambia has been fraught with challenges, including intimidation, censorship and limited access to information, despite the enactment of the Access to Information law.

Addressing these challenges requires professional media training.

Such training equips journalists with the skills, knowledge, and resilience needed to report critically and independently, thereby strengthening democratic institutions and fostering a more engaged, diverse, vibrant and informed citizenry.

Media training supports free speech by preparing journalists to effectively communicate and report on a broad range of issues, including politics, governance, and socio-economic development.

This training encompasses traditional reporting as well as digital media practices.

As digital platforms grow in importance, training in these areas ensures journalists can engage effectively with audiences and combat misinformation.

Furthermore, media training helps journalists build resilience and manage stress, enabling them to withstand intimidation and maintain their mental and physical well-being.

Informed publics are crucial for thriving democracies.

Beyond benefiting journalists, media training has a ripple effect on the community. Training programs often include outreach initiatives that educate the public about the role of the media and the importance of free speech.

These initiatives foster a better understanding of media practices and the value of independent journalism, encouraging public support for a free and vibrant press.

Gracious Kutemwa, a radio and TV presenter at ZNBC, noted that media training promotes diverse voices and helps marginalized groups articulate and share their stories.

“This contributes to a more inclusive media landscape, which is vital for a healthy democratic society,” she said. She added that media training also encourages open dialogue between different segments of society, fostering mutual understanding and respect.

“This dialogue is crucial for addressing social issues and promoting peaceful coexistence,” Kutemwa stated.

She emphasized that media training contributes to the overall health of democracy and governance in the country.

Meanwhile, Kamo Banda, a media and journalism student, highlighted that free speech is a cornerstone of democracy, allowing for the exchange of ideas and public discourse.

“Media training in Zambia can enhance free speech by providing journalists with the skills to express themselves effectively and responsibly,” she said.

Banda also noted that effective media training extends beyond the newsroom.

“By engaging with local communities, training programs can help raise awareness about the role of the media in democracy and the importance of free speech,” she stated.

In conclusion, media training is crucial for building a vibrant and diverse media landscape that reflects the needs of Zambian society.

It empowers voices, enhances democracy, and promotes a culture of free speech and independence in Zambia.

This story is sponsored by Project Aliyense.

Metro

‘Expect more protests, I am not afraid of Tinubu’, Nigerian activist blows hot after airport arrest

Published

9 hours ago

September 16, 2024

Isaac Dachen

The presidential candidate of the African Action Congress (AAC) in Nigeria’s 2023 presidential election, Omoyele Sowore, has vowed that despite his arrest by operatives of the Nigerian Immigration Service (NIS) on arrival from the United States at the Murtala Mohammed International Airport in Lagos on Sunday, the President Bola Tinubu-led government should expect more protests.

Sowore, the convener of #RevolutionNow, who was reportedly arrested and detained on Sunday morning at the airport by the NIS which also seized his passport and other travelling documents, said he was not afraid of Tinubu and would go ahead with planned protests.

Sowore, who is also a journalist and publisher of online news platform, Sahara Reporters, had on Sunday announced his arrest on X.com.

“I had just arrived in Nigeria from the USA at MMIA in Lagos; upon reaching Nigerian Immigration, my passport was seized, and they told me they had orders to detain me.

“This is not unexpected because I have always known that it is part of the broader clampdown by the fascist @officialAbat regime on dissent and their fear of the upcoming #FearlessINOctober revolt.”

Though he was later released after undergoing interrogation, Sowore was still upbeat about going ahead with planned protests against the government as he is not afraid of President Tinubu.

Sowore who later appeared in an interview programme on a popular TV station on Sunday night by, insisted that a planned “FearlessInOctober” protest scheduled to commence on October 1, will still go on as well as other such demonstrations.

He said the protest was part of a series of protests organised by Nigerians against what he called the oppressive government of Tinubu.

“We started on August 1, which was part of the ‘End Bad Governance’ protest. It was supposed to be a continuation,” he said.

“There were 15 demands that the government did not even attend to. Instead of that, the Federal Government arrested and detained a lot of people. They tied them with bogus offences, very outrageous offences of treason – for carrying placards.

“So, this is going to be a continuation of that.

“Everybody is aware, the government is aware of this. Everybody is looking forward to it because it’s a matter of right that Nigerians have to not allow this government to obliterate them with hunger, starvation, and incompetence

“It is treason to arrest, detain, and forcibly charge citizens with crimes that the government committed. And it’s not the first time I was accused of treason. In fact, I heard about the offence of treason in 1992 at the University of Lagos when we went and did Babangida Must Go.

“And the police arrested us at Western Avenue Police Station, asked us to start writing statements under duress, and said that we wanted to overthrow the government. That was the period that Olusegun Mayegun was President of NANS.

“I was charged with treason in 2019 by Buhari, so I’m not new to these bogus offences of treason. But that is not our focus. Our focus is that we have a country to liberate and a people to save. So whatever offences are thrown our way, we should not be discouraged.

“It’s up to the people to determine what constitutes the offence of treason. And I must say to you also that in 1994, Tinubu was accused of treason. If you remember when he was accused of bombing the Ejigbo depot by Abacha. So that was why he left Nigeria on exile. But in our case, we are not going to go on exile simply because the government is afraid of our package,” Sowore added.