Elections Are Over, Protect Peace

Mulala urges action against hate speech, misinformation and the use of children to spread political insults online

By Francis Maingaila ♥️
Lusaka, Zambia24 -- 22-08-2026 -- The Zambia Congress of Trade Unions (ZCTU) has advised Zambians to protect the country’s peace following the just-ended divisive elections, urging citizens to reject hate speech, misinformation and inflammatory content circulating on social media.

ZCTU president Blake Mulala said the labour movement was concerned by the rise in malicious rumours, hate speech and inflammatory messages witnessed during and after the elections.

Mr Mulala said social media remained an important platform for communication, civic participation and the exchange of ideas, but warned that its misuse could fuel hatred, division, violence and hostility among citizens.

He urged citizens to use social media responsibly and promote messages of love, peace, tolerance, respect and national unity.

“Differences in political opinion should never become a reason for hatred,” Mr Mulala said.

He also urged social media users to verify information before sharing it, particularly content that could provoke conflict or heighten political tensions.

Mr Mulala called on law enforcement agencies, particularly the Zambia Information and Communications Technology Authority (ZICTA) and the Zambia Police Service, to strengthen efforts to identify people spreading hate speech, disinformation, incitement and other harmful content.

He said those found breaking the law should face appropriate action, while stressing that enforcement agencies must operate within the law and respect citizens’ rights.

Mr Mulala also appealed to citizens who encounter harmful or unlawful content to report it through appropriate channels instead of responding with further abuse, threats or confrontation.

The ZCTU president expressed particular concern over the alleged use of young children in political attacks on social media.

He said some parents were allegedly parading children, including those as young as two years old, to make insulting statements that were later circulated online.

“We have seen parents trying to parade children, young as two years, to issue statements or words of insulting on social media,” Mr Mulala said.

He urged parents to take greater responsibility for monitoring their children’s activities on social media, warning that failure to address the practice could have serious consequences.

“If not checked, this can plunge our country into fire,” he said.

Mr Mulala said people responsible for abusing children in this manner should be held accountable, adding that appropriate action would also serve as a lesson to others.

He said Zambia had a reputation as a peaceful nation and citizens had a responsibility to protect that reputation even after political contests had ended.

“Elections come and go, but the country remains,” Mr Mulala said.

He urged Zambians to put political differences aside and focus on protecting peace, democracy and national unity.

“Let us choose love over hatred, peace over provocation and unity over divisions,” he said.

Mr Mulala said responsible use of social media was essential to ensuring that political differences did not become a source of lasting hatred and division among Zambians.