Ministry of Information and Media Permanent Secretary, Thabo Kawana, has stressed the critical roles of both the media and police in fostering peace and stability in Zambia, urging the two institutions to work together in promoting the dissemination of credible information to the public.
Speaking when he officiated at the Lusaka Joint Police-Media Dialogue Forum in Lusaka today, Mr. Kawana highlighted the mutual responsibility of journalists and law enforcement agencies in maintaining national cohesion, particularly during times of social and political tension.
“The public depends on the media and the police as trusted sources of information, especially during critical moments, when these two institutions work hand in hand, they can effectively combat misinformation and help maintain public order and trust,” said Mr. Kawana.
The dialogue forum, which brought together senior police officers and media practitioners is being held under the theme: Strengthening Police-Media Relations for the Safety and Security of Journalists in Zambia.
Mr. Kawana noted that government is committed to supporting platforms that promote cooperation and understanding between journalists and law enforcement, emphasizing that a well-informed public is key to democratic governance and national peace.
And in his opening remarks, Bloggers of Zambia Chief Executive Director, Richard Mulonga, has emphasized the importance of constructive dialogue between media personnel and the police, underscoring that such dialogue presents a crucial opportunity to not only enhance operations but also to protect freedom of expression which is a cornerstone of democratic governance.
Mr. Mulonga noted that capacity building across various topics is essential to bridging the persistent gap and misconceptions that exist between the media and the police as this often lead to unnecessary tension, hindering both parties from fulfilling their roles effectively.
And looking ahead to the 2026 general elections, Mr. Mulonga also called for the creation of a joint action plan to guide media and police relations to prevent election-related conflicts and clampdowns on press freedoms among others.
By Margaret Mwanza
