Gov’t calls on elder statesmen, church to counsel Lungu, hold ex-president accountable for utterances

The government has called on elder statesmen and the church to counsel former President Edgar Lungu and hold him accountable for his recent actions.

Responding to Lungu’s alleged threats against civil servants, Ministry of Information and Media Permanent Secretary, Thabo Kawana, urged civil servants to dismiss such statements as empty threats.

Speaking at a media briefing in Lusaka on Tuesday, Kawana stressed the importance of leaders like Lungu in promoting peace, stability and respect for human rights.

He noted that President Hakainde Hichilema had consistently emphasised the need to follow the law and hold those in power accountable for their actions.

“President Lungu could have been a very useful statesman, possibly serving as an envoy to countries like Zimbabwe and others. I appeal to the church and President Lungu’s advisors to counsel him because every time he speaks, it’s filled with insults and threats,” Kawana said.

He reiterated that no one was above the law, regardless of their position or affiliation and criticised the former president’s actions as interference in police investigations and protection of individuals with unexplained wealth.

Kawana accused Lungu of promoting lawlessness and using his influence to protect those who have committed wrongdoings, particularly by threatening civil servants, including the police, who are not supporting his return to power.

He described Lungu’s statement, “we will sort you out,” as a thinly veiled threat to use his loyal followers to intimidate, harm, or even kill individuals who are upholding the law.

On the review of the Cyber Security and Cyber Crimes Act, Kawana warned social media administrators, including those on WhatsApp, that they would be held liable for any misinformation posted in their groups.

Referring to a recent incident where a false report about the death of a former Secretary to the Cabinet was circulated on social media, Kawana noted the distress it caused to the individual and his family.

He emphasized government’s focus on responsible social media usage to prevent the spread of false information and panic.

Kawana added that government was revising the Cyber Security and Cyber Crimes Act to enhance protection for citizens in the digital space.

“The revised legislation will hold administrators of social media groups and platforms liable for illegal posts and misinformation. The goal is to ensure a safe and secure online environment, and the government is committed to safeguarding citizens’ safety and security,” Kawana said.

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