Metro

Zambia’s media freedom: Progress amid new threats

Published

1 month ago

August 16, 2024

For democracy to flourish, a robust policy environment is essential to liberate the media from excessive control and manipulation.

Since the return to multiparty democracy and economic liberalism 33 years ago, Zambia has made notable progress in media freedom, despite some lingering challenges.

Media pluralism, driven by critical reforms, has increased access to various media platforms.

However, gaining access to public media remains an uphill battle for those holding views contrary to the ruling class.

The rise of digital and social media platforms has also added a unique and revolutionary impetus to media freedoms, providing a space for diverse voices that traditional media often failed to offer.

The enactment of the Access to Information (ATI) law is a promising development, ensuring media freedoms through unhindered access to critical public information.

According to MISA Zambia, the ATI law marks “a historic milestone for media freedom and transparency in Zambia after two decades of relentless advocacy and discussion.

“MISA Zambia commended this significant achievement, noting that it reflects “a positive step towards fostering an open and informed society and a transparent government.”

However, concerns are emerging with the introduction of laws such as the Cyber Security and Cyber Crimes Act of 2021 and the proposed amendments to the Independent Broadcasting Authority (IBA) Act, which includes fees for online broadcasting.

These developments cast a dark cloud over the progress made in creating space for media freedom in the country.

President Hakainde Hichilema recently announced that his Cabinet has proposed amending laws to stiffen punishment for those promoting hate speech in the country.

The proposed amendments will be taken to parliament, and the President urged lawmakers “to do the right thing to deter people from promoting discrimination against any grouping.”

Stakeholders, however, feel that hate speech laws are mainly used to clamp down on dissent, making them an affront to media freedom and freedom of expression.

On the other hand, the cybercrime law provides rules of conduct and standards for the use of the Internet, computers, and related digital technologies by the public, government, and private organizations.

It also covers rules of evidence, criminal procedure, and other criminal justice matters in cyberspace.

Critics argue that the law is used by the ruling class to suppress critical voices in the online space.

The Zambian government’s recent announcement that it will require licensing of online media has raised concerns among rights activists, who see it as an infringement on freedom of expression and speech.

Recently, the government revealed plans to revise the IBA Act to regulate online broadcasting and podcasts.

Although the government insists that licensing online media is only meant to protect citizens and victims of cybercrimes, activists warn that such a move would infringe on the right to freedom of expression.

Chief Government Spokesperson, Cornelius Mweetwa, stated that the proposed law would “help fight cybercrime, coordinate cybersecurity matters, develop relevant skills and help promote the responsible use of social media platforms.”

He added that: “The government does not intend to introduce any legislation intended to stifle citizens’ enjoyment of their freedoms of expression and speech on social media.”

However, Richard Mulonga, Chief Executive Officer of Bloggers of Zambia, argued that regulating online media “should be avoided in all cases as it does not align with democratic values.”

He emphasized that: “In as much as we recognise the need for enhanced internet legislation to make the online spaces safe and secure for all, there’s a need for these laws and policies to be democratic.

They must be specific, and they must enhance online rights and freedoms rather than silence citizens’ activities on the internet.”

Molina also noted that the term “abuse of social media” has been weaponized to justify the creation of new “laws that can be used to target citizens on the internet.”

DW TV quoted Modern Muyembe, Media Development Director at the Ministry of Information and Media, as saying that the amended law would require online broadcasting companies to acquire an operating license costing more than US$1,000 annually to operate online.

This, will undoubtedly affect media freedom, as few will afford this amount.

In summary, Zambia’s media freedom is a “mixed bag” where there is room for improvement, but also a risk of regressing if restrictive laws, such as the proposed IBA Act, are enacted.

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

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Metro

Combating misinformation, media deception

Published

8 hours ago

September 18, 2024

Isaac Dachen

The proliferation of misinformation, disinformation and fake news has become a pressing global concern and Zambia, like many other African countries, is not immune.

Misinformation refers to the unintentional spread of false information, while disinformation is deliberately fabricated to deceive, according to the Oxford Dictionary.

Fake news often encompassed both, usually with malicious intent.

Elizabeth Riziki, National Director of the Media Institute of Southern Africa (MISA)-Tanzania, identified several factors contributing to information disorders globally, including in Zambia.

“These include barriers to accessing information, an information gap between urban and rural communities, government control of the media and youth unemployment,” Riziki said.

The spread of false information has far-reaching consequences, such as eroding trust in institutions, fueling social unrest and undermining democracy.

To mitigate these risks, Zambia needs to take proactive measures to sanitise its media space.

Prisiel Samu, Programmes Coordinator at ZimFact, noted that individuals with internet access are often involved in spreading fake news.

“Governments can play a leading role by regulating social media platforms, which have become breeding grounds for misinformation,” Samu stated.

In Zambia, the rise of social media and online platforms had created an environment conducive to the spread of false information, significantly impacting public discourse, policy-making and national security.

The consequences of misinformation, disinformation, and fake news in Zambia included undermining confidence in institutions, leaders and media outlets.

A study by researcher Gregory Gondwe, titled “Audience Perception of Fake News in Zambia: Examining the Relationship Between Media Literacy and News Believability,” suggested that formal education had a limited impact on detecting fake news.

Instead, the credibility of news sources was found to be an insignificant factor in determining trustworthiness.

Fabricated stories often incited violence, xenophobia, and electoral manipulation, disrupt markets, harm businesses and deter investment.

To combat these issues, Zambia must adopt a multi-faceted approach, including establishing a regulatory body to enforce ethical journalism and online content standards.

The Zambian government has recently announced a crackdown on the misuse of social media under Section 54 of the Cyber Security and Cyber Crimes Act No. 2 of 2021.

This crackdown extended to administrators of WhatsApp groups and other social media platforms, who are reminded of their legal responsibilities and the potential consequences of allowing harmful content.

“WhatsApp group administrators must curtail postings that are illegal and in bad faith, as they will be held responsible for the publication of such information,” cautioned Minister of Technology and Science Felix Mutati.

Various stakeholders have proposed several measures to address misinformation, including supporting independent fact-checking initiatives, promoting transparency in media ownership and funding, protecting individuals who expose misinformation and encouraging media outlets to adhere to ethical standards.

Additionally, educating citizens on critical thinking, media literacy, and fact-checking skills was crucial.

By implementing these measures, Zambia aims to foster a media environment that values truth, accuracy, and informed discourse.

This story is sponsored by Project Aliyense.

Metro

Nigerian govt places 11 states on alert as Cameroon set to release water from Lagdo Dam

Published

13 hours ago

September 18, 2024

Isaac Dachen

The Nigerian government has placed 11 states on alert following an announcement by neighboring Cameroon of an imminent release of water from the Lagdo Dam.

Director General and Chief Executive Officer of the Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency, Umar Muhammed, who issued the warning in a statement, said authorities of the Lagdo Dam in Cameroon would initiate controlled water releases starting from Tuesday, September 17.

The statement noted that the water discharge is anticipated to progressively escalate to 1000m³/s over the next seven days based on the inflow from the upstream Garoua River.

According to the statement, the states that have been placed on the alert are all states bordering the Benue River system, namely Adamawa, Taraba, Benue, Nasarawa, Kogi, Edo, Delta, Anambra, Bayelsa, Cross Rivers, and Rivers States.

The dam is located in the Northern Province of Cameroon, on the Benue River, in the Niger basin while the lake covers an area of 586.

The release of water from Lagdo Dam has long been a cause for concern for many in Nigeria as it affects many states because it serves as the entry point of River Benue.

The statement reads:

“The Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency wishes to notify the general public that the authorities of the Lagdo Dam in Cameroon have communicated to the agency that they will initiate controlled water releases at a rate of 100m³/s (8,640,000m³/day) starting today, 17 September 2023.

“The water discharge is anticipated to progressively escalate to 1000m³/s over the next seven days based on the inflow from the upstream Garoua River, which serves as the primary source into the reservoir and a significant tributary to the Benue River.

“Nonetheless, the dam operators have indicated that the planned water discharges will be gradual to avoid surpassing the conveyance capacity of the Benue river system and triggering substantial flooding downstream in Nigeria.

“The overflow from the Lagdo Dam is projected to cease once there is a noticeable reduction in the flow into the Lagdo reservoir.”

It added that though there should be no cause for alarm, the affected states should take measures to prevent flooding.

“The agency unequivocally states that there is no need for alarm as major flooding downstream in Nigeria is not anticipated since the flow levels along the Benue River are still within cautionary limits.

“Nevertheless, it is of utmost importance for all states bordering the Benue River system, namely: Adamawa, Taraba, Benue, Nasarawa, Kogi, Edo, Delta, Anambra, Bayelsa, Cross Rivers, and Rivers, along with the government at all levels (federal, state, and LGAs) to heighten their vigilance and implement appropriate preparedness measures to mitigate potential flooding impacts that may arise due to an increase in flow levels of our major rivers during this period.

“The agency will continue to diligently monitor the flow conditions of the transboundary Benue River and the national inland rivers, and consistently provide regular updates on water levels across major rivers to prevent further flood disasters,” it added.

The warning is coming a week after the Alau Dam located in Maiduguri, Borno State in North-West Nigeria collapsed leading to a massive flood with devastating consequences with over 50 killed and an estimated two million others displaced.