from ARNOLD MULENGA in Lusaka, Zambia
Zambia Bureau
LUSAKA, (CAJ News) – ZAMBIA is set to enact the Cyber Security Bill and the Cyber Crimes Bill despite a fallout with opposition and civil society organisations.
Enactment of the proposed legal instruments had been deferred as President Hakainde Hichilema’s government allowed broader engagement with civil society, human rights defenders and media stakeholders.
These bills are contentious in Zambia where the current government came into power in 2021 on a pledge to restore human rights but is accused of deepening dictatorship through such proposed legislation.
Late Tuesday, the Ministries of Technology and Science as well as Home Affairs jointly addressed the media, reporting that as a result of consultations, 98 percent of the concerns raised by civil society organisations (CSOs) had been resolved “to the satisfaction of all key stakeholders involved.”
Earlier, CSOs argued that the bills were unconstitutional and infringed on human rights.
Brilliant Habeeenzu, the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Technology and Science, assured the legislation served the best interests of Zambia and safeguarded the rights of all in the digital era.
“Government will endeavor to promote constructive dialogue and remain committed to open dialogue and extensive engagements with all stakeholders who are affected by the legislative reforms and legal decisions,” he said.
“Government under the leadership of President Hakainde Hichilema will continue promoting inclusiveness and transparency to promote the development of laws that respond to the aspiration of the Zambian people.”
While the government claims endorsement of the proposed legislation by CSOs, the Zambia Civil Liberties Union (ZCLU) differs.
It argues some provisions threaten press freedom, investigative journalism and the fundamental principles of transparency and accountability in governance.
It argues the legislation stifles CSOs and media.
“These actions threaten the democratic gains Zambia has gained through enactment of Access to Information law and whistleblower protection legislation,” said Isaac Mwanza, ZCLU executive director.
– CAJ News