05/05/2025
Zambian Media Fractures Emerge Amid Swedish Embassy Sponsorship Allegations
Lusaka, Zambia – May 5, 2025
Tensions have surfaced within Zambia’s media fraternity following a controversial dual march during this year’s World Press Freedom Day (WPFD) commemorations in Lusaka, with the Media Liaison Committee (MLC) accusing the Swedish Embassy of sponsoring division in the local media landscape.
This year’s WPFD, themed “Reporting in the Brave New World – The Impact of Artificial Intelligence on Press Freedom and the Media”, was marred by an unprecedented split, as two separate marches unfolded in the capital.
According to a strongly worded statement issued by MLC Chairperson Felistus Chipako, one march was organised through the established WPFD National Organising Committee, comprising Zambian media stakeholders. The second, described by MLC as a “breakaway” procession, was allegedly funded by the Swedish Embassy and BBC Media Action, with the aim of opposing the statutory self-regulation framework agreed upon by Zambian journalists in 2019.
The MLC claims the alternative march directly challenged the outcomes of the First and Second Insakas (media conferences), where journalists had unanimously resolved to create a statutory self-regulation mechanism under a bill known initially as the Zambia Media Council (ZAMEC) Bill — now called the Zambia Institute of Journalism (ZIJ) Bill following advice from the Ministry of Justice.
Chipako emphasized that the ZIJ Bill was crafted by a Technical Working Group (TWG) made up of representatives from various media organizations, including MISA Zambia, ZUBID, Bloggers of Zambia, ZAMWA, and others, some of which are now accused of aligning with the foreign-sponsored initiative they once helped create.
The MLC alleges that the Swedish Embassy and BBC Media Action, led by Danish national Soren Johansen, are using foreign funds to manipulate freelance journalists and NGO-affiliated media outlets to destabilize the local media consensus. They further claim this interference threatens the unity and progress of the media sector.
“The sight of the Swedish Ambassador sharing a podium with NGOs funded by Sweden, leading a march contrary to Zambia’s own media resolutions, is evidence enough of external interference,” the statement reads.
In response, the MLC has announced plans to formally petition the Swedish Government and notify Zambia’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs. They also intend to raise immigration concerns about BBC Media Action’s leadership with the Ministry of Home Affairs.
BBC Media Action, a long-time player in Zambia’s media development scene, was accused of “parasitic behavior” by the MLC, which alleges the organization has diverted vital donor support away from established media bodies like Panos, MISA Zambia, and ZaCoMeF, weakening their institutional capacity.
Despite these sharp accusations, the MLC reaffirmed its openness to dialogue, urging dissenting groups to contribute constructively to improving the ZIJ Bill before it is tabled in Parliament. However, it warned that it will not tolerate “foreign-sponsored divisions and chaos.”
This unfolding dispute marks a significant moment in Zambia’s media history, as journalists and media entities now face a test of unity amid growing concerns about foreign influence in shaping local press regulation policies.
