Founder and Executive Director for the Prisoner’s Future Foundation (PFF), Geoffrey Mayamba has been recognised by the French government, for his advocacy for the rights of incarcerated and formerly incarcerated individuals in Zambia.
These include his role in advocating for the abolition of the death penalty in Zambia and the SADC region as well ensuring that incarcerated persons have access to justice, resources and opportunities to enable them rebuild their lives.
And Ministry of Information and Media (MIM) Permanent Secretary Thabo Kawana noted that Mr Mayamba was selected to represent Zambia at the 9th World Congress Against the Death Penalty, under France’s prestigious Marianne Initiative.
Mr Kawana was represented by MIM Human Resource Director, Bernard Domingo at Mr Mayamba’s welcome reception, at Kenneth Kaunda International Airport, in Lusaka.
The Permanent Secretary said Mr Mayamba’s recognition by the French government reflects growing international recognition of Zambia’s commitment to justice, dignity and the rule of law.
At the same meeting, France’s Deputy Ambassador to Zambia, Charlie Dubois praised Mr Mayamba’s integrity and commitment to promoting human rights, describing him as a figure who has strengthened Zambia’s democratic life.
Mr Dubois emphasised that meaningful change often begins with one brave voice noting that Mr Mayamba’s advocacy was instrumental in Zambia’s decision to abolish capital punishment in 2022, while also inspiring a broader regional campaign across Southern Africa.
And Mr Mayamba expressed gratitude to the French government for the recognition, further thanking the Zambian government and other stakeholders for the support.
He disclosed that during his over four months stay in France, he underwent intensive training in human rights defense and various aspects of law.
He further pledged to scale up the work of the Prisoner’s Future Foundation.
