Zambia’s Democracy Has Fallen- Musa Mwneye SC
…I never thought I would ever utter the words, ‘political detainee’ and ‘extra judicial detention’ in one sentence with regards to democratic Zambia…
●I appeal to the Government to release all political detainees who are being held extra judicially or to present them before courts of law for the due process of the law to take its course….
Musa Mwenye,SC writes
When people are held in detention beyond the reach of the courts, contrary to the law and due process, they are being held ‘extra judicially’.
Further, when people are detained for their political activities and mobilization, they are ‘political detainees’. Do we have political detainees who are being held extra judicially in Zambia today? Sadly, the answer is yes.
I never thought I would ever utter the words, ‘political detainee’ and ‘extra judicial detention’ in one sentence with regards to democratic Zambia, whose democratic credentials have been a beacon of good governance and the rule of law in Africa and beyond.
In the past, when persons were detained for their political activities, the accused persons were subjected to due process in courts of law. We are now witnessing detentions without even the pretension of any court process, whatsoever.
This is not who we are, and, it is certainly not what we should be known for. Zambia’s well earned name in observance of human rights and our democratic credentials are in serious jeopardy.
I appeal to the Government to release all political detainees who are being held extra judicially or to present them before courts of law for the due process of the law to take its course.
Zambia’s democracy has not fallen. Mr. Musa Mwneye SC should tell the nation what, in his view, democracy should look like in Zambia and provide clear evidence to support his position.
It is important to acknowledge that, under the UPND Government, Zambians continue to enjoy fundamental freedoms, including freedom of speech and expression, association, and assembly. The rule of law and its application have also seen notable improvements in several respects.
While there may be legitimate concerns and areas that require further strengthening, such issues should be addressed through constructive and evidence-based debate rather than broad claims that Zambia’s democracy has collapsed. Democracy is strengthened when citizens are free to express divergent views, institutions are held accountable, and the rule of law is respected. Zambia’s democratic journey should therefore be assessed objectively, recognising both the progress made and the challenges that remain.