By 
Zambia’s legal fraternity gathered in solemn tribute on Monday to honour the life and legacy of Dr. Rogers Masauso Alivas Chongwe whose influence on justice and democracy resonated far beyond the courtroom.
At a valedictory service held at the Supreme Court in Lusaka, judges, magistrates, lawyers, and state officials paid glowing tribute to Dr. Chongwe, who died on May 6, 2025.
He was remembered as a “legal practitioner par excellence” and a “global icon of the rule of law,” lauded for his courtroom brilliance, principled leadership, and unyielding stand against injustice.
Chief Justice, Mumba Malila, described him as a man who stood “shoulder to shoulder with the world’s most eminent legal minds.”
“He earned his place at the global high table. His passing is not just a personal loss, but a collective wound to the legal fraternity and the soul of justice in this country,” Justice Malila said.
Solicitor General Marshal Muchende took the opportunity to address public misconceptions surrounding the 1997 Kabwe shooting, in which Dr. Chongwe was seriously wounded during a peaceful protest alongside former President Kenneth Kaunda.
Mr. Muchende clarified that Dr. Chongwe brought the case before the United Nations Human Rights Committee, which found Zambia in violation of Article 6 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights.
However, contrary to social media speculation, the UN did not award him damages. The Government of Zambia later negotiated an out-of-court settlement, resulting in a US$6.7 million judgment, which the state is now honouring.
“Dr. Chongwe pursued justice with dignity and resolve. The government began settling the judgment debt following renewed engagement with his legal team,” said Muchende.
Dr. Chongwe’s courtroom presence was described as magnetic—a man of eloquence, confidence, and deep legal command who inspired generations of lawyers.
As President of the Law Association of Zambia, he boldly spoke out against corruption and repression during a time when silence was the safer choice.
He served as Minister of Local Government from 1993 to 1995, resigning in protest over poor governance and human rights abuses.
After surviving a 1997 assassination attempt and being falsely implicated in a coup plot, Dr. Chongwe went into exile in Australia.
He returned in 2003 and was later appointed Chairperson of the Commission of Inquiry into the Mongu riots by President Michael Sata.
“Dr. Chongwe was more than a lawyer — he was a patriot, a defender of constitutionalism, and a torchbearer for human dignity,” Chief Justice Malila said.
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