EFF leader, Mwenda, knocks Hichilema over alleged social media remarks, stranglehold on govt media

The Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) have sharply criticized President Hakainde Hichilema for his comments accusing young people of “misusing social media” and for blaming the media for his government’s shortcomings.

EFF president, Kasonde Mwenda, in a statement released in Lusaka on Saturday, accused Hichilema of shying away from the daily struggles faced by ordinary Zambians.

Mwenda highlighted the president’s refusal to address what he described as the government’s monopolization and manipulation of public media.

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“Since taking office in 2021, the United Party for National Development (UPND) has systematically suppressed diverse voices, turning state-controlled outlets like ZNBC, Daily Mail, and Times of Zambia into mere government mouthpieces,” Mwenda stated.

He further accused the UPND of using the national broadcaster to silence opposition parties, including the EFF.

“This flagrant censorship is not only undemocratic but also illegal,” Mwenda added.

Mwenda expressed alarm at the president’s apparent intolerance for criticism, suggesting Hichilema dismisses any divergent views as “falsehoods” rather than addressing legitimate concerns raised by Zambians.

“Instead of listening to the people, he seeks to silence them,” Mwenda concluded.

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