GOVT WILL NOT SPEND RESOURCES TRACKING ZAMBIANS ABROAD DISPARAGING PRESIDENT HICHILEMA ON SOCIAL MEDIA

The Zambian government has firmly drawn a line regarding the policing of online commentary, declaring that it will not deploy state resources to track down citizens residing abroad who use social media platforms to disparage President Hakainde Hichilema. Speaking through the Ministry of Home Affairs and Internal Security, Permanent Secretary for Technical Services Dickson Matembo addressed the ongoing wave of online criticism, noting that the administration remains unfazed by attempts to tarnish the Head of State's image from afar. Mr. Matembo emphasized that President Hichilema's focus is centered on steering national development and dismantling systemic loopholes that previously benefited select interest groups. According to the Ministry, criticism—even when harsh or politically motivated—is viewed as part of the democratic landscape, and the state refuses to be drawn into costly international digital surveillance campaigns. Officials noted that while recent passport cancellations involving certain individuals abroad had sparked public debates regarding state overreach, such administrative actions were distinct from tracking general online dissent. Furthermore, the government urged critics, both at home and in the diaspora, to channel their grievances into constructive dialogue rather than personalized attacks that could damage the country's international reputation. The administration maintained that constructive policy alternatives are far more valuable to Zambia's democratic maturity than vitriolic online commentary. Observers point out that the diaspora community plays a crucial remittance and developmental role, making a collaborative rather than adversarial relationship vital for long-term economic stability. As social media continues to act as a double-edged sword for political figures across Southern Africa, Lusaka's latest stance seeks to project administrative restraint. By choosing not to prioritize offshore digital dissent, the New Dawn administrati