CSOs are disappointed with govt – ZCSD

ZCSD Executive Director Lewis Mwape

The Zambia Council for Social Development (ZCSD) says Civil Society Organizations are disappointed with the PF government for failing to give them space to operate freely.

ZCSD Executive Director Lewis Mwape recalls that while in opposition, the PF assured CSOs that they will be able to deal with all contentious issues affecting them but have totally done nothing to address such concerns.

Mr. Mwape notes that the zeal and appetite the PF exhibited when in opposition has vanished and has wondered what has gone wrong with the ruling party.

He points out that the ruling party has failed to deal with archaic laws that hinders the growth of CSOs and NGOs in the country.

He says the PF ought to know that civil society organizations also helped them to ascend to power based on the promise of revising laws such as the NGO Act and the Public Order Act.

He states that government should not see these two pieces of legislation as political tools to suppress opponents.

Mr. Mwape tells QFM News that laws that guide and govern CSOs must be fair as the civil society movement contributes to the developmental agenda of the nation.