PRESS STATEMENT
For Immediate Release
LUSAKA, Friday, 24th October 2025 – MISA Zambia today joins other stakeholders in celebrating the country’s 61st Independence Anniversary under the theme “61 Years of Peace and Unity: Building a Resilient and Prosperous Zambia.”
MISA Zambia remains dedicated to promoting media freedoms and freedom of expression for citizens, which serve as catalysts for enjoying other liberties. A free and vibrant media is essential in a democracy like ours, as it plays a crucial watchdog role in society and fosters transparency and accountability in the management of national resources that contribute to building a resilient and prosperous Zambia.
For us, true independence is more than just the absence of colonial rule, it includes the right of the media to report the news and the right of the public to receive that information, free from any interference. Therefore, we wish to strongly condemn the continued harassment and intimidation of journalists while they perform their duties, as these actions are not just a violation of the journalists’ right to report but also a direct violation of the public’s right to be informed.
As we commemorate the 61st Independence Anniversary, we call upon all stakeholders to reaffirm their commitment to press freedom and support programs that strengthen the role of the media in fostering democracy, even as the country heads towards the 2026 general elections.
We wish Zambians a Happy and peaceful 61st Independence Day.
Issued by
MISA Zambia
Lorraine Mwanza Chisanga
Chairperson
