Is Democracy in Zambia at Risk? A Closer Look at Recent Events
By Jerry Munthali
In a democracy, the rights and freedoms of individuals should never be taken for granted. These fundamental rights, such as the right to life, association, free speech, and assembly, are considered inalienable and are the cornerstone of a free and just society.
However, recent events in Zambia have raised serious concerns about the state of democracy in the country.
The case of blogger “WHY ME,” who has been detained without trial for over three months, is a clear violation of these fundamental rights. The fact that he is being held solely for criticizing the government is a blatant disregard for the principles of democracy and freedom of speech.
What makes this situation even more alarming is the lack of action from the international community, civil society, and the church. Their silence on this matter is concerning and goes against the values they claim to uphold.
While it is understandable that some may not agree with the language and tone used by WHY ME in his critiques of the government, this does not justify his detention without proper legal proceedings.
In a democracy, all individuals, regardless of their opinions, have the right to express themselves and hold their government accountable. It is the role of the competent courts of law to determine guilt or innocence, not the government’s prerogative to silence dissenting voices.
The actions of the Zambian government are not only a violation of WHY ME’s rights but also a threat to the country’s democratic values. A society that does not allow for open and respectful dialogue, even if it includes criticism of those in power, is not a true democracy. It is the duty of the government to ensure that these fundamental rights are respected and protected for all citizens.
The international community, civil society, and the church have a moral obligation to speak out against these injustices. As advocates for human rights and democracy, their voices are necessary to bring attention to this grave situation. It is not enough to simply condemn the use of vulgar language; they must also address the larger issue at hand – the violation of WHY ME’s rights and the erosion of democracy in Zambia.
In conclusion, the situation in Zambia is unacceptable and demands immediate action. It is crucial that WHY ME is given a fair trial and his rights are respected. The government must remember that in a democracy, the people’s voices should be heard, not silenced. The international community, civil society, and the church must also fulfill their responsibilities in advocating for the protection of fundamental rights and upholding the values of democracy.
Let us not forget that in a true democracy, the freedom of expression and the rule of law are the foundation of a just society.
#JusticeForAll