President Hakainde Hichilema has signed the controversial cyber crimes and cyber security Bills into law, a move that has sparked significant concern among civil society organizations, media bodies, and religious groups.
The law, intended to address digital crimes and online abuse, has been met with skepticism over its potential to stifle freedom of expression, press freedom and target dissenting voices.
Despite widespread appeals from key stakeholders urging the President to reconsider, the new laws were silently enacted on April 8.
Recently, the Zambia Free Press Initiative and MISA appealed to President Hichilema not to sign the two bills into law but allow for more consultations to address concerns around protections of fundamental freedoms.
With constitutional amendments also on the horizon, some observers believe these too may encounter public resistance if inclusive governance continues to be sidelined.
©️ Zambia Reports, April 17, 2025.
By Celestina Tiyankenji Mbewe