Zambian President Hakainde Hichilema recently met with various civil society organizations (CSOs) to address their concerns regarding the proposed Cyber Security and Crimes Bill. The discussions focused on the implications of the bill for privacy, freedom of expression, and the potential impact on civic engagement. CSOs expressed worries about the bill's provisions, which they believe could hinder democracy and stifle dissent.

President Hichilema dialogues with CSO over the proposed Cyber Security and Crimes Bill

Guarantee independence and autonomy of the judiciary, a free press, and an active civil society

Zambian journalist assaulted and charged

Zambian journalist assaulted and charged

Zambian woman dragged to courts &nbsp;showing that new administration has not made a break with the past in terms of freedom of expression

Woman taken to courts  for freedom of expression

New army and air force chiefs appointed

New army and air force chiefs appointed

The Ministry of Local Government and Rural Development has disbursed a K256 million capital grant to 95 councils across Zambia as part of the Zambia Devolution Support Programme (ZDSP).

K295 Million Grant Disbursed to 95 Local Councils

Ensure that decentralization by devolution is implemented

The government has introduced mechanisms to monitor agro dealers' perfomance.

Government implements measures to curb maIpractices among agro dealers

Develop more effective leadership and management and ensure sectoral management capacities are strengthened

The National Assembly has introduced the 2022-2026 strategic plan.&nbsp;

Strategic Plan Is Developed By The National Assembly

Support the National Assembly to develop a strategic plan for its legislative agenda

President appoints individual with no experience in diplomacy as deputy ambassador

HH appoints brother as Zambia’s Deputy Ambassador to Malaysia

Ensure professional personnel are allowed to represent the country in our foreign missions

Government is engaging in a review process of the Public Order Act.

Government starts review of Public Order Act  to protect Democracy

Give autonomy to the police in the enforcement of the Public Order Act

Hakainde Hichilema suspendend three Constitutional Court judges Justice Anne Sitali, Justice Mungeni Mulenga, and Justice Palan Mulonda on September 23, 2024.&nbsp;

HH Suspends 3 Constitutional Court Judges: Power Grab or Judicial Accountability?

Ensure accountability of the executive through the National Assembly and the judiciary

The Zambian Cabinet has approved in principle the introduction of two new pieces of legislation: the Cyber Security Bill, 2024, and the Cyber Crimes Bill, 2024.

Zambia’s Cabinet approves Introduction of new Cyber Security and Cyber Crimes Bills

Strengthen institutions to guarantee security, safety, fundamental human rights, civil rights, civil liberties and justice

&nbsp;President Hichilema suspended 3 constitutional Court Judges with immediate effect.

HH Suspends 3 Constitutional Court Judges

Ensure strict adherence to the rule of law and end selective application of the law

Zambia and the Democratic Republic of the Congo met in Lubumbashi to discuss the concerns that prompted the Zambian government to close border crossings.

Zambia ,DRC hold talks over trade

Ensure that bilateral trade, economic and technical cooperation will be the hallmark of our foreign policy

President H. Hichilema accepted the resignation of the ACC Director General to make way for a more competent and effective official to deal with corruption in the country.

President Hichilema Accepts Resignation of Anti-Corruption Commission Director General

Improve the capacity of government to formulate, analyse and implement policies

Zambia's Information and Media Minister says the proposed amendment to the ZNBC Act would help to transform the national broadcaster into a genuine public service entity, ensuring ZNBC operates professionally, impartially, and allows for the free flow of information to the Zambian people.

IBA Act set for amendment

Enacting a consultatively established Freedom of Information Act

26-Year-Old Man Sentenced to Life Imprisonment for Brutal Murder of Pregnant Wife

26-Year-Old Man Sentenced to Life Imprisonment for Brutal Murder of Pregnant Wife

Widen access to justice for all

The government Issues New Guidelines to Streamline Approval and Implementation of Constituency Development Fund Projects.

New guidelines to streamline approval of Constituency Development Fund projects issued.

Improve Government's capacity to make better decisions at the local level

Police in Mpulungu District impounded eight trucks of maize that were allegedly suspected to have been planned for smuggling into neighbouring countries.

Police in Mpulungu seize trucks laden with maize for smuggling.

Support and strengthen intelligence agencies

Government Installs 4 radio transmitters in four districts

Promote media coverage to improve transparency and accountability and expose government misconduct

A task force has been set to curb the smuggling of maize and to patrol in all border areas 24/7

Government sets up a Task Force Team to Curb Smuggling of Mealie Meal in all border Areas

Decentralise service delivery with an increased CDF and accountable local government service providers

The government of Zambia has through Indo-Zambia Bank commenced the disbursement of loans under the Constituency Development Fund in Mwandi District of Western Province after &nbsp;conducting a financial literacy training for loan empowerment beneficiaries last Wednesday.

The government of Zambia has through Indo-Zambia Bank commenced the disbursement of loans under the Constituency Development Fund in Mwandi District

Improve the capacities of local authorities to make decisions and deliver services

Cabinet has approved the National Anti-Money Laundering and Countering Terrorism and Proliferation Financing Policy and its implementation plan owing to the prevalence of vices such as corruption, tax evasion, drug trafficking, theft, and fraud.

Cabinet approves anti-money laundering, terrorism policy.

Improve the framework for Monitoring and Evaluation

President Hichilema appointed his younger brother Muzoka Hichilema as Zambia&rsquo;s Deputy Ambassador to Malaysia. His brother is reported to be a Sales and Marketing professional with no background in diplomacy

Hichilema appoints brother as Zambia’s Deputy Ambassador to Malaysia

Depoliticise the public service and improve leadership, managerial skills and officials' mindsets

The government has approved six (6) Bills for publication and introduction in Parliament.
Cabinet has approved the Penal Code (Amendment) Bill, of 2022 &nbsp;Criminal Procedure Code (Amendment) Bill, of 2022,&nbsp; The Zambia Institute of Banking and Financial Services Bill of 2022 The Securities (Amendment) Bill of 2022&nbsp; The Constituency Development Fund (Amendment) Bill, 2022 National Pension Scheme (Amendment) Bill of 2022&nbsp;

Government approves six bills for publication and introduction in Parliamen

Establish a durable constitutional order to catalyse development

The government through the &nbsp;Acting Secretary to the Cabinet suspends travel for Permanent Secretaries and Directors for 90 days with immediate effect.

Cabinet suspends travel for Permanent Secretaries and Directors for 90 days.

Establish a strategy and action plan for an efficient, exceptional. Professional public service

The Permanent Secretary of Administration in the Ministry of Health was relieved of his duties and summoned to appear in court on allegations of corruption.

Ministry of Health, Permanent Secretary relieved of his duties.

Promote a culture of transparency and accountability with controlling officers routinely appearing before appropriate parliament committees

Zambia and DR Congo sign cooperation agreement.&nbsp;

Zambia and DR Congo sign cooperation agreement

Rebuild diplomatic links where these have been broken and restart foreign missions

Cabinet Approved the Introduction of Bill to amend Public Order Act.&nbsp;

Approval of the Introduction of Bill

Reform the Public Order Act and prevent its abuse

Restructure the ECZ and ensure it's capacity to carry out legal and other related research

Elaborate ECZ's roles in conducting legal and electoral reforms

Establish an independent electoral commission

Support the National Assembly in staffing and training the parliamentary budget office

Support reform efforts to make Parliament autonomous

Separate the offices of the attorney general and minister of justice

Respect court judgments and orders

Mount a comprehensive training and capacity building programme for all relevant institutions

Judges no longer Enjoy Security of Tenure

Judges no longer Enjoy Security of Tenure

Guarantee the independence of the judiciary

Guarantee adequate funding to all institutions mandated to provide security

Modernise the judiciary operations

Subject all senior public officials to performance based contracts reviewed annually

Restructure and re-orient the Public Service commission and ensure the merit principle is respected in appointments and promotions

Ensure minister's role provides strategic leadership and policy direction not day-to-day operations

Ensure all cabinet ministers are appointed based on competence

Ensure regular engagement between the president and leaders of opposition parties to solidify Vision 2030 consensus

President Hichilema confirms date for his third appearance in Parliament&nbsp;

President's third appearance in Parliament

Ensure the president has regular question and answer sessions with the media, parliament and opposition leaders

Copperbelt Province Minister says his office will adhere to the principles of running an open door policy for the public.

Open door policy for the public in Copperbelt Province

Ensure all public offices have an open door policy

Re-engineer service delivery processes through technology and digitisation

President Hichilema outlined that his&nbsp; government will &nbsp;pursue constitutional reforms, including expanding the bill of rights as a major priority

Pursue of constitutional reforms

Revive the process of expanding the Bill of Rights to integrate economic, social and cultural rights

Domesticate key international and regional conventions to uphold good governance

Government has ended the death penalty &nbsp;in Zambia towards constitutional reforms.

End of the death penalty

Complete the constitutional reform agenda, anchored on national consensus

President unveils new cabinet with newly appointed provincial ministers

Newly appointed provincial ministers

Review the role of provincial administrations to ensure local level participation in governance

The President appointed new District Commissioners for the districts in the country.

CitizensWatch

Promise

Promise History

President Hichilema dialogues with CSO over the proposed Cyber Security and Crimes Bill

Zambian journalist assaulted and charged

Woman taken to courts for freedom of expression

New army and air force chiefs appointed