A coalition of opposition leaders has written to President Hakainde Hichilema warning that his recent public remarks and the approach taken toward constitutional reforms risk heightening political tension in the country. The joint letter, dated 2 December 2025 and signed by Citizens First leader Harry Kalaba and Socialist Party president Dr Fred M’membe, accuses the Head of State of using divisive language in defending the proposed constitutional amendment process under Bill 7. The group states that comments linking criticism of the bill to tribal hostility have unsettled citizens, faith bodies and civil society organisations, and argues that the government’s conduct is undermining confidence in national unity.

The opposition leaders urge the President to withdraw the current process, engage in broad-based dialogue after the 2026 elections and adopt what they describe as a reconciliatory approach in dealing with institutions such as the Church and the Oasis Forum. They also call on regional and international bodies to monitor the political climate, saying the country’s governance environment requires close attention as debate over Bill 7 intensifies.

Full letter Below.

His Excellency Mr. Hakainde Hichilema
President of the Republic of Zambia
State House
Independence Avenue
Lusaka,Zambia

02 December 2025

REF: AN URGENT CALL FOR NATIONAL UNITY, DIALOGUE, AND RESPONSIBILITY

Your Excellency,

We write to you today not as adversaries, but as concerned Opposition Leaders who hold a profound love for our nation, Zambia. Our message is motivated by an alarming and growing national sentiment, echoed by faith leaders and the civil society, that “something is wrong in the way we are living as a nation,” where division and anger are slowly replacing our cherished unity and oneness.

Mr. President, we are particularly disturbed by your reckless claim that those opposed to this non-inclusive, rushed and politically-engineered constitution amendment process hate you because of your tribe.

Such a statement is unfortunate, dangerous and unbecoming of one who holds the highest office in the land. It is an attempt to weaponize regional sentiment and sow seeds of tribal mistrust for personal political gain. Zambia does not belong to any tribe or region, it belongs to all of us.

This letter therefore serves as a formal reprimand and an urgent appeal regarding your administration’s conduct in pursuing constitutional amendments and exercising executive authority. We are compelled to remind you of the foundational principles upon which our peaceful nation was built and to alert you to the dangerous path of division you are currently navigating. At every turn when you speak to the people regarding the constitution, you have opted to use the language that is divisive rather than that which seeks to unite the nation.

1. Seek Unity not Division:
A true leader seeks to unite, not divide. The process surrounding the proposed constitutional amendments Bill No. 7 has been characterized by language and actions that are deeply divisive. Leadership demands rising above partisan rhetoric to apply fairness, compassion, and common sense. We urge you to immediately cease any communication that funs the flames of ethnic or political discord and to embrace a language of national cohesion, love and reconciliation.

Your posture thus far is to perceive anyone opposed to the amendment as your enemy. In essence, your actions surrounding Bill 7 constitute a real and immediate threat to national peace, security, unity and social cohesion. Instead of healing the country, you have opted to divide it. Instead of building consensus, you are seeking to bulldoze and beat everyone into submission. Instead of strengthening democracy, you are eroding it.

2. Disregard of OASIS Forum:

In your selfish pursuit to see Bill 7 through by any means possible, you have exposed yourself to the point of having your hypocrisy laid bare for all to see.

The Oasis Forum you seek to demonize and humiliate through your surrogate institutions and gutter media outfits is the very Oasis Forum you walked shoulder to shoulder with in fighting Bill 10 that was a much better crafted Bill and was not meant to give the PF a lifeline as is the case with Bill 7.

The conduct displayed by your guests on Monday December, 1 2025 during the so-called Courtesy Call Meeting on Consultations for the Constitutional Review at State House is a clear manifestation of your mindset over this matter: chaotic, patronizing, divisive and insulting to say the least. You clearly gave your guests enough protection to use State House to insult the wisdom and integrity of the Oasis Forum, its membership and the Catholic Bishops..

We would like to remind you that it is the same Oasis Forum you are insulting today that stood by you in rejecting Bill 10 in 2021 and at that time you showered them with praises as it suited your intentions.

Your inconsistency has revealed to
us a leadership that is more interested in convenient alliances than principled governance.

3. Respect for the Church:

The Church in Zambia is a cornerstone of our moral and social fabric. It is not a political opponent to be vanquished. The collective voice of church leaders from the Zambia Conference of Catholic Bishops (ZCCB), the Council of Churches in Zambia, and the Evangelical Fellowship of Zambia has unequivocally called for the withdrawal of Bill 7, citing the outcome of the ConCourt that ruled against the said bill as lacking consensus and the very spirit of constitution making. They have equally questioned the urgency of seeking to tie this constitution to the 2026 election cycle opting instead to allow for a more inclusive people driven process. Demeaning these institutions and dismissing their concerns—as some of your supporters have done by labeling bishops as “tribalists”—is an affront to a vast section of the Zambian populace and risks creating a painful and unnecessary rift within the body of Christ. The Church must remain a beacon of hope and dialogue.

Let it be placed on record that it is the same Catholic Church that stood by you when you were incarcerated and charged with treason.

For you to now permit attacks on the Church is hypocritical, disrespectful, and a betrayal of the moral voice of our nation.

4. National Division:
Your actions have reminded us of the prescient words of our founding father, Dr. Kenneth David Kaunda, who warned the nation of the risk the nation faced if the presidency was to be in your hands. We are sure you recall that he was very emphatic that anyone was better placed to lead this nation except one person who he feared would divide the country, and that’s – You. It is sad to witness that warning fast materialising and becoming a reality before our own eyes. The nation is boiling. The perception that your government is becoming increasingly intolerant to dissent and embracing intimidating tactics against the opposition, and eroding institutional independence is quite widespread.
Actions such as the suspension of Constitutional Court judges and the weaponization of laws like the Public Order Act are not signs of strength but of fragility, and they are tearing our social fabric apart. We would like to call upon you to reflect as to how you would like your legacy to be remembered when you leave office next year – a man who stood against all odds and united the nation or a man who threw everything to the wind and brought about division, tribal intolerance and regionalism.

5. A Call for the International Community:
We echo the painful lessons from our own recent history and that of our region: silence in the face of democratic backsliding is complicity. We, therefore, call upon the United Nations, the African Union (AU) Southern African Development Community (SADC), the African Union (AU), and all international partners committed to democracy to pay close attention to the deteriorating political and social environment in Zambia. Do not wait until there is bloodletting begore you act. Preventive diplomacy and clear support for inclusive dialogue are required now. The international community played a crucial role in ensuring a peaceful transfer of power in 2021; that vigilance must not wane.

We, therefore, call upon you to take keen interest in Mr. Hichilema’s divisive conduct, which points to a worrying departure from democratic governance towards intolerance and authoritarian tendencies.

This is not the democracy we fought for in 1991 and it is certainly not the unity we pledged to uphold.

Conclusion: The Unifying Truth

Your Excellency, the ultimate power you wield is not to amend a constitution by force of will, but to steward the peace and unity of our nation. The prayer of Zambians today is for a dialogue that promotes “a people who do justice, who love goodness, and who walk humbly with their God”.

We conclude with the solemn and unifying truth that must guide all your actions: We have only one Zambia.

In this regards, we expect your immediate and public commitment to de-escalation, genuine national dialogue, and a leadership style that heals rather than wounds.

We therefore call upon you Mr. President to forthwith:

1. Abandon the divisive and confrontational approach you have taken on this Constitutional amendment process;

2. Withdraw the Bill 7 process until genuine, inclusive national dialogue is secured after the elections;

3. Respect the Church, Civil Society and all stakeholders who speak for the voiceless; and

4. Take responsibility for the rising political and tribal tensions and take steps toward national healing.

As opposition political parties, we reaffirm our commitment to stand with the Oasis Forum as they seek to speak for the Zambian citizens and defend our democracy, our Constitution, and our national unity.

Respectfully,

For and on behalf of the Concerned Citizens of the Republic of Zambia,

Harry Kalaba
President, Citizens First (CF)

Dr Fred M’membe
President, Socialist Party (SP)

Cc:

The Secretary-General,United Nations
The Secretary General – United Nations
The Chairperson, African Union Commission
The Executive Secretary, Southern African Development Community (SADC)
The Executive Director – Oasis Forum
The Zambia Conference of Catholic Bishops(ZCCB)
The Council of Churches in Zambia
The Evangelical Fellowship of Zambia
All Media Houses

CCJP Tells HH Public Hardship Remains Widespread

The Catholic Commission for Justice and Peace has urged President Hakainde Hichilema to pay close attention to the rising public frustration across communities, warning that living conditions remain difficult despite government assurances of economic stabilisation. CCJP stated that feedback collected from parishes indicates households are struggling with high food prices, limited job opportunities, and increasing pressure on essential services. The organisation emphasised that these concerns require urgent government attention because they reflect the daily realities of citizens across districts.

CCJP explained that parish committees routinely gather information from ordinary residents, including market traders, youths, farmers, teachers, and healthcare workers. According to the Commission, their latest assessments show that most citizens do not feel the benefits of government policies that are frequently presented as progress. The organisation noted that economic indicators alone are not a sufficient reflection of public welfare, adding that the lived experience of many citizens suggests continuing hardship.

The Commission reported that feedback shows families facing significant difficulty in meeting the cost of basic needs such as mealie meal, cooking oil, transport, and school-related expenses. It said many youths continue to express deep frustration over limited employment prospects. According to CCJP, communities want the government to prioritise economic relief that directly affects household budgets instead of relying heavily on macroeconomic gains.

CCJP acknowledged that households appreciate government commitments in areas such as debt restructuring and inflation control but remain concerned that these gains have not translated into lower prices for essential goods and services. It reported that families in rural areas face added challenges due to recurrent dry spells, livestock diseases, and limited access to farming inputs. The Commission said these factors severely affect food security and contribute to widespread anxiety about the coming agricultural season.

The organisation stressed that the concerns raised by communities should not be interpreted as political opposition but as factual realities that demand immediate attention. CCJP said the government must understand that ordinary citizens do not measure national progress by official statements but by what they can afford and how they live from day to day. According to the Commission, communities want the government to acknowledge their concerns and respond with targeted, practical interventions.

CCJP also noted that parish leaders have raised concerns about persistent delays in the distribution of farming inputs. It reported that several farmers have expressed uncertainty regarding the availability and timing of fertiliser delivery. The organisation said farmers worry that these delays will significantly affect agricultural production and further undermine national food security. The Commission highlighted that small-scale farmers depend heavily on timely access to inputs to sustain their livelihoods.

The organisation further pointed to ongoing concerns about water shortages in some communities. It reported that women and children in certain areas are forced to walk long distances to access clean and safe water. CCJP said this situation places considerable stress on households and negatively affects sanitation and hygiene. The Commission reiterated that these issues must be treated as urgent because they directly impact public health and overall community welfare.

CCJP urged the government to adopt a more attentive and responsive approach by engaging with communities more directly and ensuring that relief efforts are tailored to local realities. The organisation argued that meaningful community engagement can significantly improve trust between citizens and state authorities. It emphasised that localised feedback is essential for accurately understanding the depth and nature of public frustration.

The Commission noted that citizens do appreciate development projects such as road construction and school upgrades but believe that daily survival remains the most pressing and immediate issue. It said communities desire leadership that recognises their ongoing struggles and provides tangible relief in critical areas such as food affordability and job creation. CCJP affirmed that civil society organisations play an essential role in presenting accurate, grassroots-level feedback to decision-makers.

The organisation encouraged the President to reflect seriously on the concerns raised and to integrate them into future policy decisions. CCJP said strong and compassionate leadership involves acknowledging challenges openly and working collaboratively with citizens to resolve them. It urged the government to address economic pressures at the household level and ensure that national development strategies incorporate direct, practical support for families.

The Commission reaffirmed its commitment to presenting factual, community-based feedback to authorities. It stated that the wellbeing of citizens must remain the central priority of national leadership. CCJP expressed its hope that the government will respond to these concerns with decisive and effective action that meaningfully improves the daily lives of households across Zambia.

M’membe Accuses HH of Blocking Genuine Constitutional Dialogue

Socialist Party presidential candidate Dr Fred M’membe says President Hakainde Hichilema has weakened constitutional order and shown little regard for alternative views by suspending talks with the Oasis Forum. He stated that the collapse of the discussions confirms concerns that the President is attempting to consolidate political control rather than genuinely consult stakeholders on the constitutional amendment process. Dr M’membe was reacting to the government’s decision to end dialogue with the Oasis Forum following disagreements over Bill 7.

According to Dr M’membe, the President’s actions reflect a pattern in which the administration invites participants to discussions but refuses to adjust its position. He said the government seeks to create an impression of consultation while continuing with a predetermined agenda. Dr M’membe referenced developments surrounding Bill 7, describing the proposed amendments as divisive and authoritarian. He said the Oasis Forum could not be expected to trust a process that was already viewed as flawed.

He noted that participants entered the dialogue with principled positions on constitutional procedure. Dr M’membe explained that a democratic government should be prepared to listen, negotiate, and adjust, especially when dealing with amendments to the supreme law. He said this did not occur in the recent engagements. Dr M’membe stated that genuine dialogue requires openness rather than rigid positions. In his view, the government’s posture demonstrated an unwillingness to consider objections raised by civil society, churches, and legal bodies.

The Socialist Party leader said the President has repeatedly shown a reluctance to tolerate criticism. He argued that the suspension of the meeting should not surprise citizens because the administration has consistently resisted scrutiny on national issues. Dr M’membe said the events surrounding the Oasis Forum meeting illustrate the government’s broader approach to governance. He cited previous disputes involving the Lungu family and various public concerns, saying these suggest a pattern of handling disagreements through unilateral action rather than consultation.

Dr M’membe said the attempt by the government to frame the Oasis Forum as unprepared to engage constructively was misleading. He explained that raising constitutional concerns does not amount to obstruction. Instead, he said it reflects a commitment to protecting the integrity of the constitutional order. He insisted that stakeholders who question the current process are acting in the national interest.

He argued that Bill 7 would concentrate authority in one office and alter fundamental aspects of Zambia’s governance structure. Dr M’membe said such changes cannot be pushed without broad national agreement. He warned that moving forward with the amendments without consensus poses risks to the country’s democratic future.

Dr M’membe said the suspension of dialogue appears intended to weaken public resistance and buy time for further moves in the amendment process. He described this approach as tactical rather than procedural. Dr M’membe warned citizens to remain alert to developments surrounding the constitutional debate. He said constitutional reform must not be conducted through strategies that reduce public participation.

He urged Zambians to speak out and defend the Constitution, saying it is the responsibility of citizens, civil society, churches, trade unions, professional bodies, and youth groups to protect the country’s democratic framework. Dr M’membe said this period demands active involvement to ensure that the country does not adopt a constitutional amendment process that undermines democratic values.

He concluded that the Constitution cannot be reshaped according to the preferences of a single office. Dr M’membe said constitutional amendments require transparency, consultation, and national unity. He encouraged citizens to recognise the importance of safeguarding the document that defines the structure of governance and limits the exercise of state authority.