Advocates for Democratic Governance Foundation (ADEG) has urged government to honor sacrifices of freedom fighters by abandoning what they have termed undemocratic colonial legal legacy.
ADEG says it is concerning that Zambia is celebrating its 60th Independence Anniversary while holding on to archaic colonial laws like the 1955 Public Order Act that aim at restricting citizens’ freedoms of expression, association, and assembly.
“Successive governments have exploited these laws, shrinking civic and political space,” said ADEG Executive Director Gideon Musonda.
Mr. Musonda has also emphasized that while acknowledging the government’s progress in law reforms and maintaining stability, there is need to prioritize enactment of Public Gathering Bill, replacing the colonial Public Order Act which will facilitate the enjoyment of freedoms of expression, association and assembly.
He has since reminded the Minister of Home Affairs and Internal Security, Jack Mwiimbu of his commitment to table the Bill in Parliament by end of year, as pledged in March 2024.
By Margaret Mwanza
