Amnesty International has called for the immediate release of Zambian journalist Thomas Allan Zgambo, who has been detained since October 16 in Lusaka. Without formal charges being filed, Zgambo’s situation underscores increasing concerns about press freedom and human rights in Zambia. The journalist, associated with the Zambia Whistleblower website, is being held at Ridgeway Police Station.
Vongai Chikwanda of Amnesty International highlighted that journalism should not be criminalized and urged Zambian authorities to respect constitutional rights for free expression and press freedom. Chikwanda further emphasized the importance of the government adhering to its domestic and international human rights obligations.
Zgambo’s recent arrest marks his third detention within the past year, coinciding with the publication of material critical of government officials. According to the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ), earlier arrests in November 2023 and August 2024 resulted in sedition charges over his investigative reporting on government activities and alleged ties between President Hakainde Hichilema and certain properties.
Muthoki Mumo from CPJ noted a gap between President Hichilema’s endorsements of media freedom and the harassment journalists like Zgambo are experiencing. Mumo called for all charges against Zgambo to be dropped, advocating for a media landscape where professionals can operate without fear of retaliation.
This pattern of arrests reflects wider human rights issues in the nation. Human Rights Watch has pointed to a disturbing trend, where despite initial optimism following Hichilema’s election in 2021, the government has been reportedly curbing opposition activities. They’ve frequently invoked the Public Order Act to impede public gatherings and demonstrations.
The concerns extend beyond domestic entities, as the international community closely monitors Zambia’s human rights record. In 2024, during its Universal Periodic Review at the UN Human Rights Council, Zambia faced scrutiny and agreed to measures aimed at improving freedoms of expression and association.
The pressure on journalists dovetails with restrictions placed on political opposition, contrasting sharply with Hichilema’s public commitments to enhancing civil liberties. His remarks in a March 2023 Washington Post article, claiming restored democracy in Zambia, appear at odds with actions taken against critics and opposition figures.
The ongoing crackdown on dissent raises significant questions about Zambia’s dedication to democracy and human rights, especially considering its role, with President Hichilema at the helm of the Southern African Development Community’s Organ on Politics, Defense, and Security Cooperation. The steps taken under Hichilema’s leadership will indeed shape perceptions of Zambia’s human rights stance both locally and within its broader regional influence.
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