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The Zambia Police Service has warned that no gathering will be allowed to proceed in a manner that risks public safety, obstructs essential services, or endangers uninvolved members of the public.
Police Spokesperson, Godfrey Chilabi, called on the Oasis Forum and other civil society organisations involved in the planned demonstration to continue engaging the Police through established channels.
Chilabi, in a statement issued in Lusaka on Saturday, said this would ensure that, where permissible, appropriate security measures could be facilitated.
He warned that any attempt to convene unlawful assemblies, acts of provocation, or conduct that incites violence would be met with firm but lawful action.
Chilabi stressed that lawful instructions issued by the Police during such events should be respected to prevent escalations that may lead to disorder or harm.
“We have taken note of the remarks attributed to Archbishop Ignatius Chama of the Kasama Archdiocese regarding the purported peaceful demonstrations scheduled for 28th November 2025, as organised by the OASIS Forum,” he said.
The Police spokesperson acknowledged the role of moral and civic voices, including the Church, in promoting accountability, transparency, and responsible governance.
He also recognized the enthusiasm of citizens—especially youth—to express themselves on matters of national importance, emphasizing that such expression should remain peaceful, lawful, and respectful of the rights of others.
Chilabi reaffirmed the Police’s commitment to upholding the Constitution of Zambia, including the rights and freedoms it guarantees.
“Among these freedoms is the right to peaceful assembly, association, and expression, as rightly highlighted by the Archbishop,” he said.
He noted that constitutional rights must be exercised within the law and in full adherence to the Public Order Act, Chapter 113, and other relevant legislation.
Chilabi welcomed Archbishop Chama’s emphasis on peace, order, and non-violence.
“His call for citizens, especially people of faith, to conduct themselves with integrity, responsibility, and respect for the law is in line with the core values of the Zambia Police Service,” Chilabi stated.
He added that neither the Church nor the Police endorsed disorder, violence, or destruction of property.
Chilabi reminded organisers, participants, and the public that any public gathering, including peaceful demonstrations, must be duly notified to the Police under the Public Order Act to ensure appropriate security arrangements are in place.
“The primary responsibility of the Police is to safeguard life and property, maintain public order, and ensure that all citizens, whether participating in a demonstration or not, enjoy safety and security,” he said.
He added that the Police remained committed to working with all stakeholders, including faith-based organizations, civil society, and community leaders, to ensure Zambia continues to enjoy peace, unity, and democratic stability.
Archbishop Chama had endorsed the Oasis Forum’s opposition to the proposed constitutional amendments and urged Christians to join the planned peaceful demonstration at State House in Lusaka on November 28, 2025.
Speaking on Radio Lutanda’s Ishiwi lyakwa Kacema programme on Friday, the Clergy described the proposed amendment as “a potentially dangerous erosion of constitutional safeguards” and appealed to Zambian Christians to participate in the nationwide peaceful protests organised by the Oasis Forum.
He said the protest was not “a mere political act but a sacred civic duty embedded in Christian ethos and constitutional fidelity.”
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