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An alliance of opposition political parties has submitted an official letter to State House backing the Oasis Forum’s position on the constitutional amendment process and calling for the complete withdrawal of Bill 7.
In a letter dated December 2, 2025, the group urged President Hakainde Hichilema to abandon what they described as a divisive and confrontational approach to constitutional reform.
The leaders, who represent Citizens First, Patriotic Front, Citizens Democratic Party (CDP) and several others, expressed disappointment with how the President was reportedly handling the process.
“Our message is motivated by an alarming and growing national sentiment, echoed by faith leaders and civil society, that ‘something is wrong in the way we are living as a nation,’ where division and anger are slowly replacing our cherished unity and oneness,” reads part of the letter.
The opposition leaders said they were disturbed by what they termed a reckless claim by President Hichilema that those opposed to what they describe as a non-inclusive, rushed and politically engineered amendment process “hate you because of the tribe.”
They said that such remarks amounted to hate speech for which “the President should be indicted,” describing the statement as unfortunate, dangerous, and unbecoming of someone holding the highest office in the land.
“It is an attempt to weaponize regional sentiment and sow seeds of tribal mistrust for personal political gain. Zambia does not belong to any tribe or region; it belongs to all of us,” the letter stated.
The group described the letter as both a formal reprimand and an urgent appeal regarding the administration’s conduct in pursuing constitutional amendments and exercising executive authority.
They reminded the President of the foundational principles upon which Zambia was built and warned of “the dangerous path of division” they allege he is navigating.
“At every turn when you speak to the people regarding the constitution, you have opted to use the language of hate and a language of divisions, rather than that which seeks to unite the nation.
Seek unity and not divisions. A true leader seeks to unite, not divide,” the group emphasized.
They argued that the process surrounding Bill 7 had been characterised by language and actions that were“deeply divisive,” saying leadership demands rising above partisan rhetoric to apply fairness, compassion and common sense.
“Your posture thus far is to perceive anyone opposed to the amendment as your enemy. In essence, your actions surrounding Bill 7 constitute a real and immediate threat to national peace, security, unity and social cohesion,” they wrote.
The opposition leaders demanded that the President respected the Church, civil society and all stakeholders “who speak for the voiceless,” take responsibility for rising political and tribal tensions, and pursue national healing.
They reaffirmed their commitment to stand with the Oasis Forum “as they seek to speak for Zambian citizens and defend democracy, Constitution and national unity.”
The parties include Citizens First, Patriotic Front, Citizens Democratic Party (CDP), People’s Alliance for Change, Socialist Party, United National Independence Party, The Zambia We Want Party, New Liberal Party, Zambia Republican Party, National Restoration Party (faction), New Era Party and the New Heritage Party.
The letter was copied to the UN Secretary-General, Chairperson of the African Union Commission, SADC, Oasis Forum, Zambia Conference of Catholic Bishops, Council of Churches in Zambia and the Evangelical Fellowship of Zambia.
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