Oasis Forum
| Founded | 2003 |
|---|---|
| Type | Civil society coalition |
| Location | Lusaka, Zambia |
| Focus | Democracy, constitutionalism, governance |
The Oasis Forum is a coalition of church bodies, civil society organisations, and legal professionals in Zambia. In 2025, the Forum became a central voice opposing the Constitution Amendment Bill No. 7 of 2025, arguing that the proposed legislation was developed through a non-transparent and non-inclusive process that focused narrowly on election-related changes.
Background
Oasis Forum has a long history of advocating for constitutionalism and public participation in governance processes. The organisation frequently mobilises citizens to protect what it describes as the integrity of Zambia’s democratic framework. Its 2025 campaign arose after the government introduced Constitution Amendment Bill No. 7, a proposal the Forum argued would weaken key checks and balances in the current constitutional system.
Opposition to Bill No. 7 of 2025
- Main article 2025 Oasis Forum Protest
The Forum publicly criticised the bill on the grounds that:
- the amendment process lacked broad consultation;
- the focus of the bill was limited to electoral matters rather than holistic constitutional reform;
- certain provisions threatened to undermine the stability and spirit of the existing constitution.
Oasis Forum called for the complete withdrawal of the bill and urged the government to recommit to an open, participatory reform process.
Nationwide Campaign
To mobilise public awareness and demonstrate opposition, the Forum launched a national civic campaign. The initiative featured:
- public education drives and community engagements;
- peaceful demonstrations in major towns;
- symbolic protest actions, including the wearing of black ribbons and the use of black car disks to represent public resistance to the bill;
- a petition for citizens to sign, addressed to the President and Members of Parliament.
Protest March of 28 November 2025
A major event in the campaign was the protest march scheduled for 28 November 2025 in Lusaka. The march was planned to begin at Freedom Statue and proceed toward State House. The Forum described the action as a peaceful show of national solidarity aimed at defending constitutional values.
The march was supported by church leaders, civil society groups, students, and members of the legal fraternity. It formed part of a broader effort to pressure elected representatives not to endorse the proposed amendment.
Legal Action
In addition to public mobilisation, Oasis Forum filed a petition before the Constitutional Court challenging the validity and process surrounding Bill No. 7. The organisation argued that the bill did not meet constitutional requirements for meaningful public participation.
Appeal to Members of Parliament
Throughout the campaign, the Forum urged MPs to reject the amendment. It stated that supporting the bill would constitute a departure from the mandate entrusted to them by citizens. The petition and public appeals were intended to reinforce legislative accountability and highlight citizen expectations.
Significance
The 2025 campaign reaffirmed the role of civil society in safeguarding Zambia’s constitutional order. It demonstrated the continued influence of public mobilisation in governance debates and underscored the importance of transparency and inclusiveness in national reform processes.
