Zambia Revokes Passports of Six Critics Citing Security

Zambian authorities have revoked the passports of six prominent critics, including former lawmakers and academics, on grounds of national security. According to a report from GN geopolitics/rights (en-US), the government issued a notice rendering these documents immediately invalid for travel or identification. While the state has invoked security justifications, it has not publicly detailed the specific allegations against each individual, a lack of transparency that has drawn sharp criticism from human rights organizations.

The affected individuals include former ambassador Emmanuel Mwamba, academic Sishuwa Sishuwa, former lawmakers Binwell Mpundu and Emmanuel Jay Banda, former presidential aide Kaizer Zulu, and blogger Lillian Mutambo. Amnesty International accused the administration of using administrative powers to suppress political opposition. The organization noted that the move occurs against a backdrop of heightened tensions in the lead-up to the 2026 elections, where reports of arrests and intimidation of journalists and activists have already emerged.

Legal Frameworks and Constitutional Limits

Zambian law permits the cancellation of passports under specific circumstances, such as fraud or loss of citizenship. The Passports Act also mandates that the Chief Passport Officer must notify affected persons of the reasons for cancellation within 14 days. However, the Constitution’s Article 22 protects the freedom of movement, including the right to leave and return to the country. Any restrictions must be reasonably justifiable in a democratic society for purposes such as public safety or defense.

Judicial precedent in Zambia has historically limited executive discretion in these matters. In a 1991 Supreme Court ruling, it was established that a citizen’s constitutional right to travel includes the right to a passport, subject only to lawful restrictions. More recently, the High Court ruled that confiscating passports and requiring official authorization to travel unlawfully restricts freedom of movement. These legal standards suggest that the current cancellations may face significant scrutiny if challenged in court.

International Human Rights Concerns

Amnesty International argues that these actions breach Article 12 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights. This international treaty protects the right to leave any country, allowing for limited lawful restrictions only. The organization has called on the Zambian government to reverse the cancellations, restore the affected passports, and provide adequate remedies to those whose rights have been impacted by these administrative measures.

Potential Judicial Challenges Ahead

The affected individuals are expected to challenge the measures through Zambia’s judicial system. In such cases, authorities would likely be required to demonstrate both a statutory basis for the cancellations and whether the restrictions satisfy constitutional requirements governing national-security limitations. The outcome of these potential legal battles will be a key indicator of the balance between state security powers and individual civil liberties in the country.