PRESIDENT HICHILEMA URGED TO RECONSIDER LAWS THAT THREATEN CITIZENS VOICES
The Zambia Institute of Governance and Civil Liberties Advocacy Platform is urging President Hakainde Hichilema to review recently enacted legislation that risks undermining citizens rights to free expression and public engagement.
On April 8th 2025, President Hichilema signed into law the Cyber Security and Cyber Crimes Acts, prompting widespread public concern.
The United States government has described the legislation as creating an intrusive surveillance ecosystem and has advised its citizens in Zambia, as well as those planning to visit, to exercise caution and understand the potential implications.
Speaking in an interview with Phoenix News, Platform Executive Director Francis Chipili has expressed deep concern over what he described as the UPND government’s unwillingness to heed the voices of its people.
Mr. Chipili warns that the current legislative trajectory risks eroding democratic principles, curbing public discourse, and infringing on fundamental human rights, especially freedoms of speech and assembly.
He has further appealed to President Hichilema to engage with the public and key stakeholders on the proposed Journalism bill.
PN
EVEN THE PEOPLE SHOULD BEHAVE BY NOT SAYING ALL SORTS OF WORDS THAT INJURE OTHERS FOR THE SAKE OF FREEDOM OF EXPRESSION. ALL FREEDOMS REQUIRE A MEASURE OF RESPONSIBILITY. WITHOUT SUCH RESPONSIBILITY, LET6 US ENACT LAWS THAT WOULD RESTRAIN BAD PEOPLE.
The US ambassador should not behave like their is no such a law in US.
Which country has not put this law in place to protect it’s cyber space and security?
Why was there a gathering in Malabo to create the law?
It is quite misleading especially from such a high class being. Am sure he is not politically charged though he sounds.
Infact at his level he shouldn’t be rushing to the media like Tonse Alliance or UKA rather engage the government diplomatically that’s why he is called a “Diplomatic”.
Otherwise there is nothing wrong with the law. Those making noise are hell bent politicians whose agenda is to cause insecurity and division in the nation.
They don’t belong to the peaceful community and the Cyber Security Law is meant for them..true!
We don’t need them though.