LCK Freedom Foundation

The @eu_eeas EU Election Observer Mission to #Zambia ably led by @McNamaraMEP deserves recognition and acclaimed for the thoroughness of its work and reports and its consistent calls for the observance of human rights, the rule of law, and free and fair elections in Zambia. Clearly, they did not come to Zambia to observe our elections just to tick a box. They deserve the full support of all Zambians. Well done to the entire team!

COURAGE UNDER FIRE The other day a young lady reached out to me asking: "How do we overcome the fear that has gripped our people? Today, many citizens seem engulfed by fear, and I worry that if this continues, we may face serious challenges as a nation. History has taught us that freedom cannot be defended by a fearful people. Fear silences voices, weakens unity, and discourages citizens from standing up for what is right. A people who live in perpetual fear struggle to fully exercise their freedoms and rights. In your view, what can be done to inspire courage, restore confidence, and encourage citizens to participate openly in shaping the future of our country?" It is a very important question. To my mind this question presupposes another question that was not asked, "how do we remain safe and speak out about injustices?" Several years ago, I wrote an article entitled, 'Courage Under Fire' which addresses this precise issue (you may read it on the link below). lindakasonde.substack.com/p/… Whilst my primary advice for anyone would be not to do anything foolish and to remain within the confines of the law, the truth is that standing up for what is right CONSISTENTLY comes at a cost. So my dear citizens, the real question is are you prepared to make sacrifices to have the future you and your children deserve?

Echoes of Wamuyayaya: Is Parliament Dead? My latest Substack article talking about the fact that whilst there doesn't appear to be any meaningful opposition in the National Assembly, all is not lost as history shows that we have been here before and our democracy survived. Please read and enjoy! lindakasonde.substack.com/p/…

SELECTIVE JUSTICE IS INJUSTICE Below is an article that I have written explaining why it is important to respect human rights and the rule of law in every case, even if the alleged perpetrator is despised. Transparency and and accountability are at the heart of any democratic governance system. Governments are answerable to their citizens as to how they exercise that power. I argue my case using the case of former Petauke Central MP Emmanuel Jay Banda. lindakasonde.substack.com/p/…

Wounded Leadership One of the reasons that I often lament about the lack of women in leadership is that we often miss out on or underplay powerful voices that we should be listening to. This evening, I recalled a 2014 Tedx talk by former Namibian First Lady Monica Kalondo Geingos about wounded leadership which is still very relevant today. She talks about how corrosive power can be, more so in the hands of people in authority with character flaws induced by personal trauma. As a disclaimer, Madam Geingos admits that she too is a wounded leader and that left unchecked, she too could be "a dictator of note". The truth is we're all wounded in some shape or form, I know that I am, but as Madam Geingos says if as a society we do not put in place guardrails to save our leaders from the worst versions of themselves, we will all suffer for it. Take time to listen to this classic TEDx talk and please reflect on the role that you can play in protecting our leaders from themselves for the betterment of society. #RuleofLaw #Consitutionalism #Democracy #Zambia Source: YouTube share.google/RrII8Gwz5P9Y5p7…

CHALO CHESU: THERE’S NO PLACE LIKE HOME Yesterday was World Peace Day. I sometimes wonder about the people of Congo, Gaza, Sudan, Ukraine, and Yemen. People who experience daily violence and upheaval. People who long for peace. Then there are those of them who have fled their countries to places alien to them, places that may offer them temporary shelter, but perhaps are unkind to them. Have you ever lived in exile - whether spiritual, social, or physical? If you have then you know there’s no place like “home”: where you don’t have to explain yourself, where your identity is not questioned, where you are loved. I have thought about this a lot recently as I have witnessed my home country Zambia being turn into something almost unrecognizable. Fear, repression, and witch hunting are taking root - redefining terms that previously seemed unquestionable; words like “freedom”, “democracy” and “citizenship”. The Apostle Paul tells us in 1 Corinthians 13 that there is a better way, that way is love. The language of love is understood in all faiths and persuasions. It is the opposite of hate and of causing strife. In the words of Pope John Paul II: “Peace requires four essential conditions: truth, justice, love, and freedom”. I hope and pray that my fellow Zambianhs meditate on these values. They are won and easily lost. #Zambia

CSOs respond to the AG's statement of 16 Sept: Our rule of law concerns are backed by observer missions, Bar Associations & the UN Special Rapporteur. We welcome dialogue & propose a concrete agenda. ADGF, Caritas Zambia, @CofZambia, @ZambiaFree , @FreedomLck #RuleOfLaw 🇿🇲