Attorney General has rejected claims that Zambia is experiencing a breakdown in the rule of law

THE Attorney General has rejected claims that Zambia is experiencing a breakdown in the rule of law, describing allegations by civil society groups as inflammatory and unsupported by established facts.The response, dated Sept. 16, follows a statement issued Sept. 14 by a coalition of civil society organizations alleging lawlessness and the dismantling of the constitutional […]

THE Attorney General has rejected claims that Zambia is experiencing a breakdown in the rule of law, describing allegations by civil society groups as inflammatory and unsupported by established facts.
The response, dated Sept. 16, follows a statement issued Sept. 14 by a coalition of civil society organizations alleging lawlessness and the dismantling of the constitutional order.

The Attorney General’s office said it recognizes the role of civil society in promoting constitutionalism, accountability and democratic governance but said the characterization that Zambia has descended into lawlessness is sweeping and based on contested accounts and matters before the courts.
The office said Zambia remains a constitutional democracy governed under Article 1(3) of the Constitution and is committed to the rule of law, separation of powers and fundamental human rights.

On specific allegations, the office said:
Passport cancellations: The attorney general acknowledged that the Constitution protects freedom of movement, including the right to enter and leave Zambia, subject to lawful limitations. It said Section 12 of the Passport Act, Chapter 129 of the Laws of Zambia, permits the chief passports and citizenship officer to cancel a passport under warranting circumstances in the interests of national security or public safety.
It said persons aggrieved by such decisions have a right to appeal to the minister of Home Affairs and Internal Security under Section 18 of the Act, and a further appeal to the High Court under Section 18(4).

It is wrong and misleading to assert the cancellations were done outside the law, the office said.
Arrests on treason and sedition charges: The office said those arrested were lawfully arrested by law enforcement agencies but declined to comment on details because several matters are before the courts and therefore sub judice.
Arrest of Mafinga lawmaker:The office said it was aware of the arrest of Mafinga member of Parliament Faith Muntali. It said an arrest by law enforcement agencies does not amount to abduction and is part of the normal law enforcement mandate conferred on the Zambia Police Service.

It said Article 18 of the Constitution provides for legal representation for every suspect, including Muntali. The office said civil society groups alleging she was denied legal representation had not provided evidence.

Independence of institutions: On allegations regarding the independence of the judiciary, Electoral Commission of Zambia, Defence Force and law enforcement agencies, the office said public confidence in those institutions is essential. It said those alleging a lack of independence must provide evidence, which it said the groups had not done.

The office said the government remains committed to separation of powers, checks and balances and the independence of state institutions.
The attorney general welcomed calls for peace, restraint and dialogue but said dialogue must be conducted in good faith and should not undermine judicial proceedings, terminate criminal investigations or confer immunity from the law.

The government called on political actors and civil society organizations to ensure public communication is verified, accurately presented and supported by evidence.
(Mwebantu, Thursday, 17th September, 2026)