President Hakainde Hichilema has arrived in Beijing, China, to attend the China-Africa Forum Summit. The summit will focus on key issues of mutual interest, including energy and food security, smart agriculture, water harvesting, and railway transport.

During his visit, President Hichilema will participate in discussions aimed at strengthening cooperation between China and Africa. The president is also set to engage in bilateral meetings with fellow Heads of State and will hold discussions with industry leaders from various sectors on the sidelines of the summit.

“We are here to discuss critical matters that impact both our continent and our nation. Our focus will be on fostering partnerships that will drive sustainable development in areas like energy, agriculture, and infrastructure,” President Hichilema said upon his arrival.

The summit is expected to reinforce China-Africa relations and explore new opportunities for collaboration in addressing the pressing challenges facing the continent.

The Golden Party of Zambia (GPZ) has expressed strong support for the recent observations made by United Nations experts regarding the increasing human rights abuses and the shrinking democratic space in Zambia. The GPZ, led by President Silavwe Jackson, believes that these concerns, as highlighted by the UN, accurately reflect the deteriorating state of fundamental freedoms under President Hakainde Hichilema’s administration.

In its report, the UN Special Rapporteurs revealed that at least 26 cases of arbitrary arrests, intimidation, and harassment have been brought to their attention. These incidents, according to the GPZ, are a testament to the continuous erosion of civil liberties since the United Party for National Development (UPND) assumed office in August 2021.

“A Betrayal of Promises

The GPZ has consistently voiced concerns over the government’s conduct, accusing the UPND of abandoning the very principles it once championed while in opposition. “In the last three years, the nation has witnessed a complete U-turn from what the UPND stood for in opposition,” said Jackson. He pointed out the widespread arbitrary detention of opposition leaders, human rights activists, and even clergymen who dared to speak out against issues like the high cost of living and load shedding.

The GPZ leader also expressed alarm over the government’s plans to repeal and revise the Cyber Security and Cyber Crimes Act of 2021, under the pretext of enhancing the protection of private citizens in the digital space. Jackson argues that this move is a thinly veiled attempt by the New Dawn administration to stifle dissent and silence critics on social media. “While we do not support the abuse of social media, any laws enacted should conform to the country’s status as a constitutional democracy,” he added.

A Call to Address Pressing Issues

Rather than focusing on limiting citizens’ rights, Jackson urged President Hichilema and the UPND to direct their efforts toward resolving the nation’s pressing issues. He listed critical areas requiring immediate attention: fixing the economy, upholding the rule of law, reducing the cost of living, and addressing the crippling power deficit that is severely impacting businesses and the general population.

The GPZ president emphasized that these challenges are far more deserving of the government’s attention than attempts to curtail freedom of expression. He called on the government to reverse its course and respect the democratic principles that Zambians fought hard to achieve.

Appeal to Civil Society and Traditional Leaders

Jackson also called on other key stakeholders, including the church, civil society organizations, the Law Association of Zambia (LAZ), and traditional leaders, to continue speaking out against the human rights abuses occurring under the current administration. “We urge the church, civil society, LAZ, and traditional leaders not to be cowed into submission but to remain steadfast in their advocacy for human rights and democratic governance,” Jackson stated.

The GPZ’s stance comes at a time when many Zambians are increasingly frustrated with the direction the country is taking under President Hichilema. The government’s response to the UN report has been widely criticized as indicative of a regime more interested in entrenching itself in power than in addressing the legitimate concerns of its citizens.

In conclusion, the GPZ has welcomed the UN experts’ report as a necessary intervention that exposes the true state of human rights in Zambia. The party remains committed to advocating for the protection of fundamental freedoms and ensuring that the government remains accountable to the people.

The Law Association of Zambia (LAZ) has strongly urged the New Dawn Government to take immediate and serious action in response to a recent report by United Nations Special Rapporteurs. The report expresses grave concerns over increasing infringements on fundamental freedoms in Zambia, including allegations of arbitrary arrests, detentions, and restrictions on peaceful gatherings.

LAZ, in a statement dated August 30, 2024, expressed deep sadness over the findings of the UN report, noting that it mirrors the association’s repeated calls for government intervention to safeguard citizens’ rights. “The Constitution requires that those in power ensure the enjoyment of rights and freedoms by all citizens, not just their supporters, but also those with divergent views,” LAZ emphasized.

The report highlights a concerning pattern of violations, including charges of unlawful assembly, espionage, hate speech, and seditious practices levied against opposition leaders, parliamentarians, human rights defenders, and activists. The restrictions on gatherings, meetings, protests, and rallies have also been cited as major issues.

LAZ pointed out ongoing instances that exemplify these concerns, mentioning the cases of three youths Jason Mwanza, Chanda Chikwanka, and Ezekiel Thomas Zulu currently in police custody for merely exercising their constitutionally guaranteed right to protest. “These actions are a direct affront to the rights enshrined in our Constitution’s Bill of Rights,” the statement asserted.

In alignment with the UN report’s recommendations, LAZ called on the government to “deescalate tensions by upholding constitutionally guaranteed rights, creating a safe and enabling environment for civic space, and expediting legislative reforms, including those related to the Public Order Act, the Penal Code, and the State Security Act.” Furthermore, LAZ emphasized the need for the government to ensure that state actors, including the Zambia Police Service, protect human dignity and rights.

LAZ reaffirmed its commitment to supporting all progressive remedial measures aimed at ensuring that Zambian citizens can freely enjoy their rights as guaranteed by law. The association’s statement underscores its mandate under Section 4 of the Law Association of Zambia Act No. 31 of the Laws of Zambia to promote the rights and liberties of citizens.

The Zambia Police Service deeply regrets to announce the untimely passing of Assistant Commissioner of Police, Mr. Danny Mwale, who served as the Deputy Public Relations Officer. Mr. Mwale passed away today, August 30, 2024, following a brief illness.

Mr. Mwale was a highly respected and dedicated officer, whose professionalism and commitment to duty earned him widespread admiration within the Service and beyond. His significant contributions, particularly in the realm of public relations, have left an indelible mark on the Zambia Police Service.

The Inspector General of Police, representing the entire Zambia Police Service, expresses profound condolences to Mr. Mwale’s family during this time of sorrow. Our thoughts and prayers are with them as they cope with this deep loss.

Details regarding the funeral arrangements will be shared in due course. The Zambia Police Service remains committed to offering full support to Mr. Mwale’s family throughout this period of mourning.

May his soul rest in eternal peace.

*Issued by:

Zambia Police Service Public Relations Office

UN experts have called on the Zambian government to immediately stop actions that infringe on fundamental freedoms. In a press statement issued on 29 August 2024, the experts raised concerns over multiple allegations of arbitrary arrests, detentions, and restrictions on gatherings, particularly targeting opposition leaders, parliamentarians, human rights defenders, and activists.

Independent experts today expressed concern about multiple allegations of arbitrary arrests and detentions on charges of, inter alia, unlawful assembly, espionage, hate speech and seditious practices against opposition political party leaders and members, parliamentarians, human rights defenders and activists, as well as restrictions on gatherings, meetings, peaceful protests and rallies in Zambia.

Since January 2022, at least 26 such cases have been brought to the attention of the experts. Information received indicates that in some cases, arrests, intimidation and harassment stem merely from expressing diverging, and critical views whilst in others, they are intended to curtail participation in political and public life.

“These practices have resulted in increasing political polarisation and self-censorship,” the experts said. “The arrests and restrictions have had a chilling effect on freedom of opinion, expression, association and assembly, which are core components of a robust functioning democracy and risk exacerbating deepening divisions, including along ethnic and regional lines, and further shrinking civic space in the country.”

The experts noted that, since December 2021, they had also received information about 16 incidents against journalists or media outlets, as well as 11 clashes, attacks, and cases of intimidation and assault, mostly perpetrated by ruling party members against members and supporters of opposition parties. According to information received, the church has not been spared, with reported arrests of clergy and disruption of meetings by law enforcement.

“To deescalate tensions, the Government must uphold constitutionally guaranteed rights; create a safe and enabling environment for civic space; expedite legislative reforms, including the Public Order Act, the Penal Code and the State Security Act; ensure the functioning of the National Mechanism for Implementation and Follow-up; and institute measures to ensure that State actors and institutions, including the Zambia Police Service, protect human dignity and rights.”

“We are deeply troubled by allegations that State actors have instrumentalised arcane provisions in the law, including “seditious intention”, to suppress the legitimate exercise of freedom of expression which is also enshrined in international treaties that Zambia has ratified. This is compounded by shortcomings in the administration of justice, such as arrests prior to the conduct of thorough and impartial investigations and undue delays in bringing accused persons before the courts.

“While the Government’s actions to counter hate speech, maintain peace and stability, and promote national unity are welcomed, these must be based on national laws that conform to international human rights law and standards,” the experts said.

“The Government has a responsibility to disrupt destructive patterns of attack and retribution between ruling and opposition parties, which have characterised politics over the last three decades, including by inviting dialogue with the opposition,” they said.
The experts are in contact with the Government of Zambia on

Source UNITED NATION