ILLEGAL PROTESTS
CIVIL Society Organisations (CSOs) that are propagating mass protests against the government are simply on the warpath clothed under the guise of fighting for social justice.
While freedom of expression and that of movement are guaranteed under the Republican Constitution, the proposed action smacks of malicious intention.
Clearly, the intention is to galvanise the people into an unlawful procession to attract confrontation with law enforcement officers.
Their intention is potentially explosive given that they intend to mobilise people to start burning tyres, an act which can disturb public order.
The consortium of CSOs which includes Council of Churches in Zambia (CCZ), Action Aid Zambia, Alliance for Community Action, Civil Society Initiative for Constitutional Agenda and Oasis Forum must re-look at the strategy and adopt a peaceful approach.
Burning tyres and mass movement across the country is tantamount to anarchy in any given circumstance.
If indeed, they strongly believe that the Patriotic Front (PF) government is abusing public resources, they are at liberty to seek audience with policy-makers and technocrats.
Secondly, they have an option of taking part in the imminent national dialogue and present their grievances.
Certainly, getting into streets in large numbers with tyres on fire can never be a peaceful procession. Burning tyres is not a symbol of peace nor is it an act to cool tempters. No!
It is a naked attempt to whip up emotions so that people can rise against authority and ultimately create an impression that the country is under fire.
Singling out the CCZ, the procession in the manner it has been proposed is alien to this Church mother body. It should not even be remotely connected.
It would not be wrong to conclude that such manoeuvres are politically inclined going by the format and strategy that is being propagated.
Will opposition political parties be for or against this proposed volatile action? This is a salient question which begs an answer.
Be that as it may, it will be an illusion to believe that any sensible police service would readily accept a notice to undertake such a procession and provide escort.
This is an arm-twisting tactic which is laced with political undertones.
The CSO should seek audience with Government, spelling out a clear agenda and their grievances.
This will be a more civilised mode of engaging the government rather than organising mass protests and burning tyres.
There is a likelihood that elements with evil intentions can join the protest and carry out overt acts of aggression.
It is also possible that such a volatile procession can degenerate into looting and damaging of property. Some people can take advantage and rob innocent residents.
Activities in both private and public places can be disrupted, throwing the country into disorder.
Zambia has been known as an oasis of peace and thus such an accolade needs to be guarded at all costs.
Turmoil has erupted in many countries where families have been torn apart as women and children have either been displaced or killed altogether.
There are sufficient avenues and institutions in this country through which submissions can be made without disrupting public order.
Therefore, CSOs must sober up and explore civil means of making their submissions to the Government.
Henceforth, they must recant their plan to perpetrate civil disobedience while the general citizens should repudiate any manoeuvres to enlist them into any illegal gathering.
Police on the other hand should remain alert and bring to book any element that attempts to obliterate Zambia’s peace record.