Lusaka, Zambia – October 18, 2024
Democratic Solidarity Africa (DSA) strongly condemns the arrest and ongoing harassment of investigative journalist Thomas Allan Zgambo. His courageous reporting through the Zambian Whistleblower, a platform he co-founded to expose high-level corruption and malpractice within Zambia’s public sector, has had a significant impact. We demand his immediate and unconditional release, as well as an end to the targeted repression of journalists across the country.
Zgambo, who has been arrested multiple times for his reporting, is the latest victim of a pattern of injustice aimed at silencing critical voices in Zambia. In December 2023, he was charged with sedition after publishing an article revealing the illegal importation of genetically modified maize by the Zambia National Service. Most recently, in August 2024, Zgambo was arrested again over an article criticizing a company closely associated with the Head of State for leasing an office complex to a public entity.
Shockingly, his latest arrest occurred at a mall while he was simply purchasing dinner. Despite the absence of formal charges, the arresting officer recorded the incident as “criminal libel” and has since switched off his phone, preventing legal recourse. As Friday October 18 is a public holiday in Zambia, Zgambo could remain in detention without charge until Monday October 21, a situation that not only violates his rights but also poses a serious threat to his safety and well-being.
Zgambo’s case underscores the escalating risks faced by journalists in Zambia, where the use of sedition laws and arbitrary detentions stifles independent media. Press freedom is not just a right; it's a cornerstone of democracy, and the actions of the Zambian authorities are a direct violation of regional and international human rights obligations.
DSA urges the Zambian government to:
- Immediately release Thomas Allan Zgambo and drop all unfounded charges against him.
- End the misuse of sedition and criminal libel laws, which are being used to suppress freedom of speech and intimidate journalists.
- Respect Zambia’s commitments to press freedom and human rights under the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights and other international agreements.
- Guarantee the safety and freedom of all journalists to report without fear of persecution or reprisal.
We stand in unwavering solidarity with Thomas Zgambo and all journalists in Zambia who risk their freedom to uphold the truth. A free and independent press is not just essential for accountability and good governance; it is a fundamental pillar of democracy, and its suppression weakens the very fabric of our society. DSA remains steadfast in our commitment to advocating for media freedom and calls on regional and international bodies to stand with us in condemning these attacks.
