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Zambia’s government has cancelled the passports of six critics of the ruling party, citing “security reasons in the interest of national security.”
The government announced the revocations in a Government Gazette issued on Friday.
Those affected include former Ambassador to Ethiopia and ex-Permanent Representative to the African Union, Emmanuel Mwamba, and historian and academic Dr Sishuwa Sishuwa. Others are former Members of Parliament Emmanuel Banda and Binwell Mpundu, former State House aide Kaizer Zulu and blogger Lillian Mutambo.
“The cancelled documents are no longer valid for identification, travel or any official purpose. Any use of the cancelled documents may constitute an offence,” the gazette said.
The government also directed public institutions, financial institutions, border authorities, law enforcement agencies and other relevant bodies not to accept or rely on the cancelled passports.
“Any person in possession of any of the cancelled documents specified in the Schedule is required to surrender the document immediately to the Department of National Registration, Passport and Citizenship, Immigration or Zambia Police,” the gazette said.
The six citizens are among the outspoken critics of President Hakainde Hichilema and his United Party for National Development (UPND).
The move comes during a wider government crackdown following Hichilema’s re-election in a controversial election.
Last week, the government cancelled the national identity documents and revoked the citizenship of opposition politician and lawyer Celestine Mukandila.
Several opposition figures, including Hichilema’s main challenger, Brian Mundubile, are also in detention on treason charges.
