The Acton Institute for Policy Analysis Centre has condemned recent attacks and threats directed at media houses and journalists, calling them dangerous to Zambia’s democratic values.
A Warning Against Media Intimidation
The Acton Institute for Policy Analysis Centre (AIPAC) has strongly condemned recent attacks and threats against media houses and journalists, describing such actions as shameful and dangerous to the democratic values Zambia has worked to uphold. In a statement, Executive Director Solomon Ngoma noted that no media house has been closed over the past five years under President Hakainde Hichilema’s administration, calling it clear evidence of the government’s commitment to press freedom and journalist protection.
AIPAC said it was deeply regrettable that certain government officials and senior party members have issued statements undermining this principle, warning that such threats risk reversing democratic gains and could damage the administration’s reputation for respecting press freedom.
A Call for Engagement, Not Intimidation
The organisation reminded political parties and their members that attacking journalists is counterproductive, arguing that the media’s role is to inform, educate and provide a platform for diverse voices. AIPAC said those who feel misrepresented should engage the media constructively, through press briefings, interviews, or paid advertising, rather than resorting to threats, which it said only weaken democratic discourse.
Ngoma cautioned that individuals who believe intimidating journalists pleases the President are mistaken, arguing that such conduct instead undermines the administration and works against the values it claims to uphold. AIPAC called on all political leaders, party members and citizens to protect media freedom, describing it as a cornerstone of democracy, transparency and good governance.
Sources: AIPAC press statement, issued by Solomon Ngoma, Executive Director, August 8, 2026
