Constitutional Reforms: In confidence building move, presidency to engage civil society in second round of meetings

In a move seen as an attempt to build trust and widen support for constitutional reforms, President Hakainde Hichilema is set to meet with additional civil society organisations on Monday, December 1, 2025, marking the second round of engagements with stakeholders, the Presidency has announced.

On Friday, November 28, 2025, President Hichilema met with the Oasis Forum, a coalition of influential church and civil society bodies, including the Zambia Council of Catholic Bishops (ZCCB), the Council of Churches in Zambia (CCZ), the Evangelical Fellowship of Zambia, and the Non-Governmental Gender Organisations Coordinating Council (NGOCC).

State House Chief Communications Specialist Clayson Hamasaka described the meeting as cordial, providing a platform for the Forum’s leadership to voice concerns over the proposed constitutional amendments.

Analysts suggest this dialogue signals the government’s recognition of the need to engage critics and reinforce transparency.

President Hichilema emphasised that the constitutional review as intended to empower citizens rather than advance government interests.

“The reforms seek to promote equity in resource distribution and expand inclusive participation in governance, particularly for women, youth, and persons with disabilities, who remain underrepresented in decision-making,” he said.

By highlighting these objectives, the President appears to signal a shift towards more inclusive governance, addressing long-standing calls for broader representation in Zambia’s political framework.

He also acknowledged the Technical Committee’s nationwide consultations, noting that citizen input will be pivotal in shaping a constitution reflective of national aspirations.

The President expressed gratitude to the Oasis Forum for engaging in dialogue, underscoring that peaceful, sustained discussion offers a better pathway to national consensus than confrontation or protest.

“While acknowledging the right to peaceful protest, sustained dialogue offers greater opportunities for consensus-building. Both parties agreed to continue consultations in the interest of national unity,” Hichilema said, suggesting an ongoing commitment to negotiation and compromise.

He reiterated that the Constitution belonged to the people, framing the government’s role as a facilitator in a citizen-driven process.

Read More: Oasis Forum abandons planned street protests for intercessory prayers, a day after Hichilema vowed to resist ‘lawlessness’

During the meeting, government representatives outlined that the reforms aimed to address long-standing gaps in the constitution and improve service delivery for all Zambians.

“I also wish to extend my gratitude to the Oasis Forum for their constructive engagement,” the President said, framing the dialogue as a collaborative effort rather than an adversarial encounter.

However, Forum Chairperson Beauty Katebe maintained a firm stance, insisting that Bill 7 should be withdrawn entirely and that the nation’s focus be redirected toward strengthening the Bill of Rights. She argued that Zambia needs a fresh, inclusive process centered on fundamental citizen protections, reflecting continued skepticism among civil society regarding the government’s reform approach.

The exchanges reveal both convergence and tension: while dialogue is underway, fundamental disagreements on priorities and process remain, indicating that the path to a widely accepted constitutional reform may require persistent engagement and negotiation.

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