Civil Society Organizations have resolved to continue the Black Friday crusade calling on members of the public to wear black apparel to force government to reveal how much has been saved as a result of the removal of subsidies.
And the CSOs have revealed that President Michael has not responded to their letter to seek dialogue on various national issues.
During a media briefing this morning CSOs spokesperson MacDonald Chipenzi said they were also demanding the immediate resignation of acting Chief Justice Lombe Chibesakunda to pave way for a qualified appointee.
“…as black Friday campaigners, we urge members of the public and likeminded stakeholders to put black attires every Friday to press for the release of the figures on how much savings have been raised from the removal of fuel and agricultural products subsidies since May 2013 and what they have been used for,” he said.
“The previous administration managed to build schools, hospitals, roads and other infrastructure and further established fuel price parity across the country with subsidies in place.”
Chipenzi also said the government’s lack of clarity on the constitution making process was a sticky point.
“The simultaneous submission of the final Draft Constitution by the Technical Committee by 30th September, 2013 to the Republican President and the general public as promised,” he said.
The CSOs have also resolved to reject the implementation of the NGO Act No. 16 of 2009.
“An Immediate review of the NGO Act No. 16 of 2009 and the immediate suspension of the so called registration process of NGOs under this infamous NGO Act which has been rejected not only by NGOs but the PF as a political party whilst in opposition,” Chipenzi said.
He said Chibesakunda should step aside to pave way for a qualified individual.
“We also demand the stepping aside or removal, whichever case is applicable, of the Acting Chief Justice now that LAZ has guided the nation on the matter regarding her continued occupancy of her office,” he said.
Chipenzi added: “Unless we see serious movement on the above demands from those responsible, Black Friday Campaign continues unabated in Zambia.”
He said President Sata had not responded to their correspondence that was filed last month.
“Our letter to him has not been responded to more than a month since we wrote to him and delivered it at State House,” Chipenzi said.
“We don’t know whether this is a way of snubbing those of us who are trying to promote dialogue as a way of resolving contentious issues in the country.”
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