Govt cancels passports of Sishuwa Sishuwa, Emmanuel Mwamba, Binwell Mpundu, 3 others

1 Views The Zambian government has revoked six passports, including those of outspoken opposition figures Emmanuel Mwamba and Binwell Mpundu, citing national security concerns. The cancellations were published in Government Gazette Notice No. 1421 of 2026, which appeared on Friday, 11th September 2026, though it was signed on 7th September. The notice from the Registrar […]

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The Zambian government has revoked six passports, including those of outspoken opposition figures Emmanuel Mwamba and Binwell Mpundu, citing national security concerns.

The cancellations were published in Government Gazette Notice No. 1421 of 2026, which appeared on Friday, 11th September 2026, though it was signed on 7th September.

The notice from the Registrar General’s Office lists six citizens whose travel documents have been withdrawn with immediate effect.

Those named are Emmanuel Mwamba, Emmanuel Jay Banda, Binwell Mpundu, Peter Kaiser Zulu, Sishuwa Sishuwa, and Lillian Mutambo.

For each person, the stated reason is identical: “for security reasons in the interest of national security.” The Gazette does not elaborate on what specific threat or conduct prompted the decision.

According to the notice, the six passports can no longer be used for travel, identification, or any official business. Government departments, banks, border officials, law enforcement and other institutions have been instructed not to accept the documents.

The public has also been warned that using the cancelled passports could amount to an offence. Anyone holding any of the listed documents has been ordered to hand them over without delay to the Department of National Registration, Passport and Citizenship, Immigration, or to Zambia Police.

The move targets people who have been active in political debate in recent months. Mwamba, a former diplomat now based in the United States, remains a visible critic of government on social media. Mpundu, a former MP, has in recent weeks commented publicly on the August general election and on the detention of opposition leaders.

The Gazette gives no further detail beyond the security justification, leaving questions about the basis for the cancellations. The publication means the six passport numbers are now officially invalid and should be flagged by all relevant authorities.

This is one of the few times in recent years that multiple passports have been cancelled in a single Gazette notice, underscoring how seriously authorities are treating the matter.