Lungu Promises To Protect Media Ahead of 2021 Election

President Edgar Lungu has promised to protect media outlets as Zambia prepares to head to the polls in next year’s general election.

Speaking to staff from the Media Institute of South Africa (MISA) Zambian Chapter on Thursday, the president said he did not condone the harassment of journalists. 

“We support the media, and as we go to the 2021 general elections, we will stand by you. We will ensure that our supporters are sensitised not to hinder the operations of the media. Politicians and the police need you. We would like to give the media the best environment so that they can report truthfully what they regard as newsworthy,” the president said in a statement. 

He went on to reference the attacks against radio stations in Muchinga and Northern provinces last month, where PF cadres assaulted and even gassed station staff for broadcasting messages from opposition leader Hakainde Hichilema.

He said that “as government, we will not protect anyone breaking the law. Lawbreakers ought to be dealt with by law enforcers regardless of their affiliation. When crime has been committed, law has to take its course.”

 MISA Zambia chairperson Hellen Mwale said it was vital that President Lungu make a concerted effort to uphold press freedom and freedom of speech in Zambia.

“We seek His Excellency’s intervention on issues that infringe on freedom of expression and media freedom,” Ms Mwale said.

The MISA chair’s comments come as President Lungu’s government faces vehement backlash over alleged infringements on freedom of speech. Last week, Lusaka Province Minister Bowman Lusambo threatened musicians Kings Malembe Malembe and Brian Bwembya (popularly known as B-Flow) after claiming that the pair had insulted the president. Lusambo’s heavy-handed response has prompted free-speech protests in Lusaka, with more demonstrations planned for June 22nd. 

President Lungu meets with MISA Zambia staff