CPJ writes to HH over harassment of journalists

CPJ writes to HH over harassment of journalists

By Adrian Mwanza

THE United States (US) based Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) has written to President Hakainde Hichilema, urging him to guarantee media freedom and the safety of journalists ahead of the global commemoration of World Press Freedom Day (WPFD) and Zambia’s upcoming August 2026 elections.

CPJ Africa programme coordinator Muthoki Mumo said persecution and harassment of journalists in Zambia had become a source of concern for the region.

Mumo said her organisation had closely monitored judicial proceedings against Zambian Whistleblower journalist Thomas Allan Zgambo, after he was arrested three times since 2023 on charges including sedition and criminal libel.

“Two cases against Zgambo remain ongoing, with court dates scheduled for mid- and late May. We view his case as emblematic of how unduly restrictive laws can be misused to intimidate and silence journalists,” he said.

She said since 2022 CPJ had documented multiple incidents in which United Party for National Development (UPND) supporters harassed and assaulted journalists.

“For example, in late December 2022 and early January 2023, UPND supporters raided two radio stations, preventing them from hosting an opposition politician. In March 2025, radio journalist Hope Chooma was attacked by UPND supporters in Mazabuka, while covering a charity event,” she said.

Mumo said the CPJ in April alone this year, recorded two other incidents in which UPND cadres disrupted a Radio Mpongwe broadcast and assaulted Power FM journalist Alfonso Kasongo at a campaign event, even after he identified himself as a journalist.

“Your Excellency, we acknowledge your stated commitments to press freedom, including in your 2021 inauguration speech. We also recall your remarks during the 2025 WPFD, in which you affirmed that ‘press freedom stands as the cornerstone of society’ and that it is “not only a right; it is an essential part of our daily lives.” We share these convictions. However, we are concerned by legislative developments and documented violations over the past five years that appear inconsistent with these commitments and with protections enshrined in Zambia’s constitution,” he said.

CPJ said police officers had also been implicated in violations against journalists, including harassment and arrests of those covering opposition activities or protests.

“As Zambia approaches the election season, it is essential that journalists are allowed to do their jobs freely, informing voters on matters of public interest and providing the scrutiny necessary to ensure credible polls.

“As journalists from around the world gather in Lusaka for World Press Freedom Day, we respectfully urge your government to create a safe and enabling environment for the press, including by publicly affirming the role of independent journalism in free and fair elections, and clearly communicating to all political actors, both ruling and opposition, that violations against the journalists will not be tolerated,” she said.

CPJ said was investigating all attacks, threats and harassment against journalists, including online abuse, and ensuring accountability regardless of the perpetrators.