Zambia's cancellation of six critics' passports on national security grounds raises human rights concerns, Amnesty International says
Amnesty International has criticized the Zambian government for cancelling the passports of six prominent critics, citing 'national security' concerns. The move has sparked human rights concerns regarding freedom of movement and political suppression.
Why it matters
The use of administrative powers to restrict the movement of political opponents raises significant questions about democratic governance and human rights in Zambia.
Amnesty International on Friday accused Zambian authorities of using administrative powers to silence government critics after the passports of six opposition figures, academics and commentators were cancelled on “national security” grounds.
The cancellations immediately rendered the documents invalid for travel and identification, while the government has not publicly detailed the specific security allegations against each affected person.
Government Gazette Notice No. 1421 of 2026 cancelled passports belonging to former ambassador Emmanuel Mwamba, academic Sishuwa Sishuwa, former lawmakers Binwell Mpundu and Emmanuel Jay Banda, former presidential aide Kaizer Zulu and blogger Lillian Mutambo. This made the documents no longer valid for travel or identification and needed to be surrendered immediately. The government has publicly justified this measure by invoking national security grounds but has not specified the specific security concerns behind the cancellations.
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