Thirteen civil society groups in Zambia have voiced their concerns about the diminishing space for freedom of expression and assembly in the country.
In a collective statement, these organizations have highlighted a “growing intolerance for dissent.”
The statement outlines various violations, including the recent arrest of outspoken opposition figure Sean Tembo, whose home was forcibly entered by the police on Wednesday.
Despite President Hakainde Hichilema repeatedly expressing his commitment to upholding human rights and the rule of law, the signatories of the statement express surprise at certain actions taken by his appointees.
The organizations note that they have observed troubling patterns, such as public authorities failing to protect the fundamental rights of freedom of expression and assembly, which are essential to the country’s democracy.
The statement also references an incident in June when a state-owned newspaper, Zambia Daily Mail, terminated a photojournalist for capturing images of people waiting in line for maize meal, a staple food in the country.
Furthermore, it highlights the warning given to a privately owned radio station after hosting Dr. Sishuwa Sishuwa, a critical Zambian academic.
These incidents are seen as indicative of a growing intolerance for dissent and the potential for the government to slide into demagoguery and political repression, according to the statement.
The government has not yet responded to these concerns but has previously stated that the president respects human rights and does not interfere in police operations.
Among the organizations endorsing the statement are Transparency International Zambia, Action Aid, and the Panos Institute Southern Africa.
Source-BBC
