Despite campaigning on a platform of democratic reform, President Hichilema’s failure to protect journalists like Thomas Allan Zgambo highlights a stark betrayal of his promises to safeguard press freedom in Zambia.
Lusaka, Oct. 21 – The Catholic Church once again stands tall as a beacon of hope, compassion, and justice for the oppressed. In an inspiring display of solidarity, Archbishop Dr. Alick Banda of the Lusaka Archdiocese led a visit to Ridgeway Police Post, where whistleblower investigative journalist Thomas Allan Zgambo remains unjustly detained.
Also Read: Arresting Zgambo Won’t Arrest the Truth: A Legal Advisor’s Grip on Zambia’s Judiciary! The Police might remove Zgambo from the public eye for a while, but as the saying goes, you can’t lock up the truth. Hichilema’s real concern should be how long it will take before the house of cards comes tumbling down!
Zgambo’s plight has brought into sharp focus the erosion of press freedom under the very government that once championed its cause. But this act of support by the Church reminds us of its historic role in defending the vulnerable, stepping in when others fail to do so. Yet, it also casts a glaring light on the contradictions of President Hakainde Hichilema, a man who rose to power on promises of democratic reform and unwavering support for the press.
During his time as opposition leader, Hichilema’s voice was among the loudest, decrying the intimidation of journalists and vowing to safeguard their rights. “Democracy cannot thrive when the press isn’t free,” he proclaimed with conviction, rallying Zambians behind his vision of a nation where journalists could report without fear. But now, with journalists like Zgambo behind bars, one cannot help but wonder: was it all just empty rhetoric?
Also Read: Plot Against Sangwa Thickens But Can the Contempt of Court Charge Erase the Truth? The Zambian government’s attempt to arrest John Sangwa for contempt of court, following his criticism of the state, risks backfiring by amplifying his message and exposing political interference in the judiciary.
The irony is painfully clear. President Hichilema now seems to have forgotten his own words. His government’s actions reflect the very oppression he once denounced. This stark contrast between his promises and his actions leaves many Zambians questioning not only his commitment to press freedom but also his integrity as a leader. It’s a bitter pill to swallow for those who believed in his vision of change, only to see the same old chains of suppression holding journalists captive.
As 2026 approaches and Hichilema’s tenure draws to an end, the question looms large: will Zambians ever trust him again? His failure to protect the press, a cornerstone of democracy, is a betrayal that cannot easily be forgotten. The Catholic Church may continue to stand with the voiceless, but the president who once promised to do the same now appears to be standing on the wrong side of history.
Also Read: Edgar Lungu’s Battle for Justice: What to Expect from the Constitutional Court! As Edgar Lungu’s legal team prepares to defend the Constitutional Court’s previous ruling on presidential terms, today’s proceedings could reshape Zambia’s political landscape and test the integrity of its democratic institutions.
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