Civil Society urges Government Dialogue on Zambian Governance

By Hellen Bwalya

​In an open letter addressed to Attorney-General Mulilo Kabesha SC on September 21, 2026, the Joint Civil Society Organisations pushed back against the Ministry of Justice's characterization of their rule of law concerns as "sweeping" and "inflammatory," while officially welcoming the government's commitment to structured dialogue.

Representing a coalition of non-governmental groups, Caritas Zambia Executive Director Fr. Gabriel Mapulanga rejected assertions that civil society's warnings regarding the breakdown of constitutional governance were speculative, emphasizing that their assessments align with reports from local and international election observers, regional bar associations, international human rights bodies, and the United Nations Special Rapporteur on Freedom of Peaceful Assembly and Association.

​Clarifying their position on sub judice matters, the Joint CSOs affirmed their respect for judicial independence while insisting that civil society oversight over the conduct of the Judiciary, the Electoral Commission of Zambia, the Defence Force, and law enforcement remains essential in the public interest.

Aligning themselves with the September 15 Pastoral Statement by the Archbishop of Chipata, George Lungu, the coalition called on all political and civic actors to prioritize national interest and transition discussions from public media exchanges to formal, structured engagements behind closed doors to resolve the country's ongoing political impasse.

​To ensure a credible and balanced engagement, the Joint CSOs outlined a comprehensive framework proposing equal representation among government officials, political parties, professional bodies, faith-based organizations, traditional leaders, and civil society, under the guidance of an independent facilitator.

 Their proposed six-point agenda requests reviews on passport cancellations under the Passport Act, amnesties for political prisoners facing treason and sedition charges, guarantees for judicial and institutional independence, protection of fundamental freedoms, and a joint public commitment against political violence. 

The coalition requested a phased timeline starting with agreed terms within seven days and culminating in a joint statement and implementation schedule within 45 days, signed jointly on behalf of Caritas Zambia, Chapter One Foundation, Advocates for Democratic Governance Foundation, Free Press Initiative Zambia, and LCK Freedom Foundation.