Q FM Africa's Modern Radio
Chapter One Foundation has challenged Heads of States of Southern Africa to speak and act against the continued closure of civic and democratic space in the SADC region.
Speaking during a press briefing held in Lusaka today by a consortium of CSOS including, Chapter One Foundation, Resilience and Commitment to Democratic Zimbabwe and Zimbabwe coalitions on debt and development, Chapter One Foundation Executive Director Linda Kasonde says there is need for political leaders to empower and educate the grassroots to ensure they speak with one voice.
Ms. Kasonde is disappointed that the closure of civic space in the SADC has continued to worsen.
She has since condemned the weaponization of law through draconian laws aimed at criminalizing the work of the CSOS particularly those who try to hold their government to account.
And Zimbabwe Coalitions on Debt and Development Member Rev Nicholas Mkaronda has noted the need for political leaders to act in solidarity to curb the closure of the civic and democratic space in the SADC region.