CHAPTER ONE FOUNDATION CONCERNED OVER DETERIORATING RULE OF LAW IN ZAMBIA
By Leah Ngoma
Chapter One Foundation has expressed concern over findings in the 2026 World Justice Project-WJP- rule of law index, which indicate a further deterioration in Zambia’s adherence to the rule of law and warn of the growing entrenchment of authoritarian practices.
Foundation Executive Director Josiah Kalala says the findings were particularly troubling because they suggested that weaknesses in democratic safeguards were becoming entrenched rather than remaining isolated incidents of abuse.
In a statement, Mr. Kalala has noted that Zambia was among countries that had experienced a sustained five-year decline in at least one of three key safeguards against authoritarian rule which include constraints on government powers, open government and fundamental rights.
According to Mr. Kalala, the trend raises concerns about the possible normalization of practices that undermine constitutional democracy and weaken the institutions responsible for protecting citizens’ rights.
The index ranks Zambia 121st globally and 25th out of 34 countries in sub-Saharan Africa in the area of fundamental rights and 111th globally in open government, 109th in the absence of corruption and 119th in regulatory enforcement.
Mr. Kalala said the findings reflected concerns about freedom of expression, peaceful assembly, association and civic participation, which he described as essential mechanisms through which citizens scrutinize public authority, participate in governance and demand accountability.
He has urged Zambia to use the findings as an opportunity to confront institutional weaknesses and reaffirm its commitment to constitutionalism, fundamental rights and the rule of law.
PHOENIX NEWS