The Oasis Forum has condemned the actions by the Patriotic Front (PF) cadres who attacked a peaceful gathering of several Civil Society Organisations (CSO) in Lusaka yesterday.
The consortium of civil society gathered at the Bible Gospel Outreach Church in Africa (BIGOCA) in Matero Township to pray and peacefully protest government’s removal of subsidies on maize and fuel.
In a joint statement issued to ZANIS in Lusaka today, the forum noted that the action by the PF cadres is unprecedented and totally shocking.
The statement was signed by Council of Churches in Zambia (CCZ) General Secretary Suzzane Matale, Law Association Zambia (LAZ) President James Banda, Non- Governmental Organisation Coordinating Council (NGOCC) Board Chairperson Beatrice Grillo and Zambia Episcopal Conference (ZEC) Father Cleophas Lungu respectively.
The association has also accused the PF government of having introduced what it termed as intolerance in politics after having spoken to some of the injured victims.
It has indicated that the manner of the violence portrayed yesterday suggests pre- meditated and planned behaviour.
The association further lamented the diminishing space for dissent in the country adding that in a democratic set up, citizens and opposition political parties must be accorded legitimate space to register different opinions and government must not be seen to stifle genuine disagreement.
The Oasis Forum has however reiterated its call on the Zambia Police to be impartial and protect all citizens at all times.
It has also called on the PF cadres to embrace civil ways of co-existence.
ZANIS
It has become very painful to remain a supporter of Pf this time around. I regret, regret & regret!
ITS JUST A MATTER OF TIME …SOON and VERY SOON
You asked for it. Was Mr Miles MP not nearby?
Ubwato bwa bunda!!!!! The Boat is capsizing – very fast for that matter!! With these acts, any other party is preferable to PF – So UPND / Narep perk up!!!
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