Zambia being torn apart

Clad in black, hundreds of Zambians, including State agents, gathered at Pope Square to pray for the withdrawal of Constitution (Amendment) Bill No. 7, a draft law that critics say threatens democratic order and national unity.

Archbishop Chama’s warning

Kasama Archbishop Ignatius Chama, who also serves as president of the Zambia Conference of Catholic Bishops (ZCCB), warned that the imposition of Bill 7 is slowly tearing the country apart and undermining its long‑standing sense of unity and brotherhood. He urged citizens to reject the bill, arguing that it erodes social cohesion and deepens mistrust among Zambians.

Call for resistance and dialogue

During national prayers at Pope Square in Lusaka, Archbishop Chama appealed to Zambians to resist any attempts to sow division, even as negotiations between the Oasis Forum and President Hakainde Hichilema continue at State House. He stressed that genuine reforms must promote inclusion and peace rather than polarisation.

“The imposition of Bill 7 is tearing the country apart and eroding the spirit of brotherhood among citizens.”

Pope Square prayer gathering

The prayer event drew a broad cross‑section of society, from ordinary citizens to government officials, united in a peaceful show of concern over Bill 7. Participants framed the gathering as a moral and spiritual appeal for the bill’s withdrawal, rather than a partisan political rally.

Fears over democracy and cohesion

Opponents of Bill 7 argue that the proposed constitutional amendments could weaken democratic safeguards and upset the delicate balance of power. They also fear the changes may deepen political tensions and damage the country’s reputation as a relatively stable democracy in the region.

Church and civil society role

The Catholic Church and allied civic groups have positioned themselves as guardians of national unity, insisting that constitutional changes must follow broad, transparent consultation. Their involvement reflects wider public anxiety about the pace and direction of the reform process.

“We must resist efforts that sow division and instead seek a path that safeguards our democracy and unity.”

Political backdrop to Bill 7

Bill 7 forms part of a contentious constitutional review that many Zambians view as politically driven and insufficiently inclusive. Critics say the process risks privileging narrow interests over the common good, especially as the country moves toward future elections.

National mood and uncertainty

The debate around Bill 7 has sharpened political and social fault lines, leaving many citizens anxious about Zambia’s future trajectory. While some hope that dialogue between government, church, and civil society can defuse tensions, others worry that mistrust has already reached a dangerous level.

“The country is slowly drifting away from its long‑cherished unity and oneness.”

Author’s summary

A contested constitutional bill has turned into a moral and political flashpoint in Zambia, where black‑clad worshippers, bishops, and officials now pray in public squares for unity, inclusion, and the withdrawal of a reform they fear could fracture their democracy.

dailynationzambia.com — 2025-11-29