ActionAid study reveals Zambia has shrinking political space

A study conducted by ActionAid Zambia has revealed that political and civic space is shrinking in the country.

The study dubbed the ‘Impact of Shrinking Political and Civic  Space on Operations of Human Rights Activists in Zambia’ done by McDonald Chipenzi and Lewis Mwape has highlighted numerous social challenges that have engulfed the nation.

Speaking when presenting the findings, Mr. Chipenzi says a wide range of factors has contributed to shrinking political space in Zambian which include economic discrimination and social media manipulations as well as legal harassment.

Mr. Chipenzi says law enforcement authorities have a rage of statutes that give them powers to silence free expression and limit freedom of assembly.

He says some of these laws like the 1930 penal code, were first used by the British to crack down on anti-colonial movements.

Mr. Chipenzi also cited other laws such as the NGOs Act, Independent Broadcasting Act and proposed Cyber-crime Act  that were recently introduced to regulate and restrict newer forms of speech and association.

According to the findings, social media is been used to launch threats and smear campaigns, often under veil of anonymity or false names.

He further adds that there are also reported allegations of invisible  but widespread economic pressure such as the denial of market stalls, bus stands, student loans and government jobs and contracts to alleged opposition supporters and the use of social protection and empowerment schemes to reward party loyalists.

And Mr. Chipenzi has however recommended that there is need to establish a mechanism for support, defence and protection of human rights defenders, including support towards legal fees, bail and police bonds, health and evacuation facilities.

And Speaking during the launch of the study report in Lusaka, Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency Director for the Africa Department, Hans Magnusson has noted that many people are living in countries with authoritarian tendencies than in countries making Democratic progress.

Mr. Magnusson says it is for this reason that Sweden will be launching a drive for democracy program which will be reflected in all areas of its foreign policy.

He says the Swedish Embassy and the Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency have been tasked by the Swedish government and Parliament to enable people living in poverty and oppression to improve their lives.

He states this cannot be achieved without democracy, gender equality and human rights which create the conditions for sustainable development.

Mr. Magnusson says the shrinking democratic space has a bearing on all of SIDA’s activities in Africa and elsewhere.

He has disclosed that out of Sweden’s 15 African partner countries, the varieties of Democracy Index 2017 showed that the Democratic situation improved in 1 out of 3, while 1 out of three deteriorated and 1 out of 3 remain unchanged.

Speaking at the same event, Action Aid Zambia Board Chairperson Aretha Mwale says a free political and civic space is a critical catalyst for national development.

Mrs. Mwale says it is Action Aid Zambia’s desire to see a country where citizens have freedom to exercise their rights within the confines of the law.