Q FM Africa's Modern Radio
The Civil Society Constitution Agenda(CiSCA) says Zambia has witnessed a backslide in democracy, political stability and enjoyment of people’s political, cultural and civil rights and freedom since President Edgar Lungu assented to the amended constitution.
In a statement, CiSCA Chairperson Bishop John Mambo says they are dismayed at the continued breach of the rule of law, the constitution and deliberate disrespect of the Bill of Rights by those wielding state power and their associates.
Bishop Mambo notes that there is limitation to or no freedom of assembly, association, expression, no demonstration and protests allowed by the police.
He says CiSCA calls on President Lungu to seriously reflect on what is happening in the country and to introspect on why, under his leadership, this once peaceful and democratic nation is deteriorating into a lawless and undemocratic country.
Bishop Mambo says it is sad that under President Lungu’s reign mourners in Zambia are hacked and made to flee from decently burying their dead and yet he promised observance to the rule of law and a democratic state.
He says CiSCA therefore, condemns in the strongest term possible the unashamedly disregard of not only the Zambian Constitution values and principles but also cultural values, custom, and tradition on the respect for the dead as exhibited by the PF cadres and sympathisers during the burial of the UPND’s Clance Zulu at Lusaka’s Memorial Park Cemetery in Lusaka on Saturday.
He states that CiSCA challenges Patriotic Front Secretary General Davies Mwila to take responsibility for the action of the PF cadres on Saturday, to roundly condemn this and to bring all the culprits involved to book.
Bishop Mambo says it is unacceptable that the PF and other institutions such as the Human Rights Commission can condemn both the perpetrators and victims, saying this will only serve to further heighten the tension in the country as the victims feel belittled and unprotected.