By Michael Omotosho |
A coalition of African and international digital rights organisations has called on the government to protect internet freedom, media independence and citizens’ digital rights, as As Zambia prepares for its general elections on August 13, warning that recent actions against journalists could undermine the credibility of the electoral process.
In a statement issued on Friday, August 7, the Net Rights Coalition expressed concern over what it described as a shrinking civic space, citing the arrest, detention and summoning of journalists under Zambia’s Cyber Crimes Act No. 4 of 2025.
The coalition said the developments have created a climate of fear for journalists and civil society at a critical time when citizens should have unrestricted access to information.
Concerns Over Cyber Laws and Press Freedom
The coalition noted that legal practitioners and civil society organisations have already challenged provisions of the Cyber Security Act No. 3 of 2025 and the Cyber Crimes Act No. 4 of 2025 before Zambia’s High Court.
According to the group, provisions relating to surveillance and interception of communications could have serious implications for freedom of expression, investigative journalism and civic participation, particularly during elections.
“The arrest, detention and summoning of members of the fourth estate signal a chilling environment for the media ahead of the general elections, highlighting the growing need to ensure that cyber legislation strikes an appropriate balance between protecting legitimate privacy interests and preserving the public’s right to information, particularly during election periods,” the coalition said.
The organisations added that cyber laws should be implemented transparently and proportionately, ensuring they do not become tools for restricting legitimate public discourse.
Warning Against Internet Shutdowns
The coalition also reminded the Zambian government of the internet shutdown imposed during the 2021 presidential election, the country’s first nationwide disruption of online access, which affected social media platforms and limited access to information.
It warned that repeating such measures would undermine democratic participation, stressing that open internet access enables citizens, journalists, election observers and human rights defenders to share information, monitor the electoral process and hold public institutions accountable.
Regional Commitments Must Be Respected
The coalition urged Zambia to honour its obligations under the African Charter on Democracy, Elections and Governance (ACDEG), particularly Article 19, which guarantees security, free access to information, freedom of movement and non-interference during elections.
It also referenced Principle 38(2) of the African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights Declaration of Principles on Freedom of Expression and Access to Information in Africa, which discourages governments from disrupting internet access for the public.
The statement further cited ACHPR Resolution 580, which calls on African governments to ensure unrestricted and uninterrupted internet access before, during and after elections.
Coalition Calls for Immediate Action
Ahead of next week’s polls, the Net Rights Coalition urged the Zambian government and public institutions to create an environment that supports free media, open internet access and respect for fundamental rights.
Specifically, the coalition called on authorities to guarantee a safe and enabling environment for journalists and media organisations to report freely during the elections, ensure unrestricted access to the internet, social media platforms and other digital communication channels before, during and after the polls, and review and amend laws that limit fundamental rights, including freedom of expression, privacy, access to information and media freedom.
The statement was endorsed by more than 25 organisations across Africa, including Paradigm Initiative, Accountability Lab Nigeria, African Internet Rights Alliance, Bloggers of Zambia, Human Rights Journalists Network Nigeria, West African Digital Rights Defenders Coalition, Zambia Free Press Initiative, Zambian Cyber Security Initiative, and several other civil society organisations advocating for digital rights and democratic governance among others.
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