Several civil society organisations (CSOs) has condemned the police’s unconstitutional prevention of opposition party rallies and gatherings.
The CSOs specifically criticized the police’s actions on June 1, 2024, in Mandevu, Lusaka, where they prevented the New Heritage Party rally and failed to arrest UPND cadres who brandished weapons and threatened violence.
The CSOs noted that this incident is part of a larger trend of police abuse for political interests, reminiscent of past regimes.
They reminded the government of its promises to uphold the rule of law and respect citizens’ constitutional rights, even when inconvenient.
The statement emphasized that democracy requires respecting opposition voices and criticism, and that silencing citizens goes against democratic tenets.
The CSOs called on citizens to stand together against government actions that undermine democratic gains.
The following organizations signed the joint statement:
– Alliance for Accountability
– Advocates Zambia
– Bloggers of Zambia
– CARITAS Zambia
– Centre for Trade and Policy Development
– Christian Churches Monitoring Group
– Council of Churches Zambia
– GEARS Initiative Zambia
– Non-Governmental Gender Organisations’ Coordinating Council (NGOCC)
– PANOS Institute for Southern Africa
– Peoples Action for Accountability and Good Governance in Zambia (PAAGGZ)
– Transparency International Zambia
– Zambia Council for Social Development
Laura Miti, Executive Director of the Alliance for Community Action, signed the statement on behalf of the CSOs.
