Zambia halts constitutional reform talks

Zambia’s ongoing constitutional reform efforts have encountered a new setback after the government suspended discussions with the Oasis Forum, accusing the civil society alliance of failing to engage constructively.

Information Minister Cornelius Mweetwa announced the suspension on Sunday, stating that the Forum had declined to participate meaningfully in talks scheduled by Attorney General Mulilo Kabesha. The dialogue was meant to build on a 28 November State House meeting chaired by President Hakainde Hichilema.

Instead of attending the follow-up session, the Oasis Forum reportedly submitted a letter dated 29 November expressing unwillingness to proceed. Mweetwa said the group appeared to maintain the same rigid stance presented during the earlier meeting rather than adopting the openness needed to reach consensus.

“As a result, government has been left with no option but to discontinue the engagement for now,” he said.

According to Mweetwa, the Forum’s letter did not identify specific areas of concern within the reform proposals nor offer alternative recommendations—an omission he argued undermines productive dialogue. He emphasized that meaningful consultation requires both sides to advance clear, solution-oriented positions.

The constitutional review, initiated under President Hichilema, aims to strengthen governance, inclusivity, and equity. A technical committee is currently gathering public input nationwide, and the government maintains that all legal procedures are being followed.

While stressing the importance of mutual commitment in negotiations, Mweetwa noted that the government remains willing to resume talks. “The doors for dialogue remain open to all stakeholders, including the Oasis Forum,” he said.

The Oasis Forum—an alliance of church bodies, legal associations, and civil society organizations—has long been influential in Zambia’s constitutional debates and has frequently challenged government approaches. Its withdrawal represents a significant obstacle to achieving broad-based consensus on the reform process.

#UTVAfrica#