Zambia bans protests at summit
2007-07-25 22:32
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Lusaka - The Zambian government said on Wednesday it will not allow civil society groups to demonstrate at a meeting of regional leaders next month (August).
Home affairs secretary Peter Mumba threatened the civic groups with arrests if they go ahead with plans to picket at the summit of Southern Africa Development Community (SADC) leaders.
A coalition of Zambian civic and church groups plans to express their concern about the simmering political situation in Zambia over a new constitution.
"Let me warn them that we will not sit idle and watch them. The law will take its course," Mumba said.
The Zambian government, opposition and civic groups have differed on the mode of adopting the new constitution, which was drawn up two years ago to replace the one imposed by former colonial master Britain.
Zambia will next month host the SADC summit in which leaders are expected to discuss the situation in neighbouring Zimbabwe and the latest political impasse in Lesotho.
- AFP