THE DANGEROUS PATH OF TERRORISM AND THE ZAMBIAN LAW
By Dr Charles Sinkala
Zambia’s greatest asset is peace. It is a peace secured not only by our values, but by law. As recent events remind us, citizens must understand where legitimate association ends and criminal conduct begins, especially regarding terrorism and treason.
Under Section 28 of the Anti-Terrorism and Non-Proliferation Act No. 6 of 2018, it is an offence to “aid, abet, counsel, procure, incite or solicit” the commission of a terrorist act. The amended law further criminalises intentionally assisting a terrorist or a designated person
Section 30 goes further. It makes it an offence to _harbour, conceal, or provide a safe haven_ to a terrorist, a terrorist organisation, or anyone who finances terrorism.
The Penal Code, Chapter 87, Section 44 deals with treason. A person who knows that treason has been committed and thereafter aids the offender commits _misprision of treason_, an offence that carries life imprisonment.
The message is clear: you do not have to commit the act yourself. Knowingly giving assistance, shelter, logistics, or concealment to a person wanted for terrorism or treason makes you liable under the law.
Does this mean all contact is illegal? No.
The Constitution guarantees due process. Where a person has been arrested, charged, and brought before court, they are entitled to lawyers, family, and legal representation. That is not aiding crime. That is upholding justice.
The offence arises when communication or support is used to _facilitate, conceal, or help a suspect evade the law_. The law will ask three questions: What was communicated? For what purpose? And did it assist a crime?
Why does this matter? Because terrorism and treason attack the foundation of the state. When citizens knowingly support suspects, they are not just “associating.” In law, they are participating.
Zambians must therefore be both vigilant and responsible. Political differences must never push us to break the law. Respecting due process and refusing to harbour fugitives is not betrayal. It is patriotism.
Let us protect our country by staying within the law. The dangerous path of terrorism and treason leads only to destruction — for individuals, families, and for Zambia.
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Dr. Charles Sinkala is a public policy analyst and governance commentator.
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