LUSAKA – The Zambia Police Service has formally asked the OASIS Forum and its partners to call off a planned procession against Bill No. 7 of 2025 and the ongoing constitutional review process, citing respect for pending court proceedings and serious security concerns.
In a letter dated 24 November 2025 and signed by Woodlands Police Station Officer-in-Charge, Anaenyi Siwito, the police acknowledged the Forum’s notification submitted on 10 November 2025 but raised several reasons why the march should not proceed.
The police highlighted that a Technical Committee appointed to review the Constitution is still conducting nationwide consultations following a 2023 Constitutional Court ruling in the case of Munir Zulu and Another versus the Attorney General.
Separately, the OASIS Forum itself has filed a fresh petition in the Constitutional Court seeking to stop the committee’s work.
A ruling on the Forum’s application for a conservatory order is scheduled for Tuesday, 25 November 2025.
Zambia police backs President Hichilema’s dialogue call
The police also noted that President Hakainde Hichilema has extended an invitation to all parties dissatisfied with the constitutional review process for dialogue at State House.
Of particular concern to law enforcement is what the police described as “credible intelligence” indicating that certain individuals intend to hijack the planned demonstration to cause anarchy and public disorder.
“Out of respect for the judicial process and the underlying security concerns… we respectfully urge the OASIS Forum and all concerned stakeholders to reconsider and withhold the planned procession to avoid any actions that may potentially endanger public safety,” the letter stated.
The police emphasised their commitment to protecting citizens’ constitutional rights to freedom of expression and assembly under Articles 20 and 21, while offering to discuss alternative lawful avenues for the group to voice its opposition to the proposed amendments.
The controversy surrounding Bill No. 7 of 2025 and the broader constitutional review process continues to divide opinion in Zambia, with critics arguing that the proposed changes could weaken constitutional safeguards.
Hichilema’s supporters maintain that the amendments are necessary to address longstanding legal and governance shortcomings.
