Harry Kalaba: Condemns Mukandila NRC Cancellation in Zambia

• Harry Kalaba, President of the Citizens First Party and former Foreign Affairs Minister, has condemned the continued detention of Tonse Alliance Secretary General Celestine Mukandila.
• Kalaba specifically criticized the revocation of Mukandila’s passport and National Registration Card.
• He described these actions as a dangerous escalation in the weaponisation of state institutions.

His remarks highlight a growing concern over the perceived misuse of governmental powers and administrative processes to target political opponents or critics within Zambia.

Harry Kalaba, President of the Citizens First Party and former Foreign Affairs Minister, has voiced strong disapproval regarding the ongoing detention of Celestine Mukandila, who serves as the Secretary General for the Tonse Alliance. Kalaba's criticism extends specifically to the recent administrative measures taken against Mukandila, which include the cancellation of his National Registration Card (NRC) and the revocation of his passport. These actions against a prominent political figure have drawn significant attention and concern.

According to Kalaba, these governmental decisions represent a dangerous escalation in what he terms the "weaponisation of state institutions." His remarks highlight a growing concern over the perceived misuse of governmental powers and administrative processes to target political opponents or critics within Zambia. The former minister's statement underscores a perceived pattern where essential civic documents are withdrawn, potentially impacting an individual's fundamental rights and their ability to participate freely in public and political life.

The revocation of a National Registration Card in Zambia carries profound implications for an individual's civil liberties and daily life. An NRC is a foundational document, essential for accessing a wide array of public and private services, including voting, banking, employment, and even basic identification. Its cancellation effectively renders an individual unable to fully participate in civic society, severely restricting their ability to function as a full citizen within their own country and potentially creating a state of administrative limbo.

Similarly, the withdrawal of a passport, particularly for a prominent political figure like Celestine Mukandila, significantly curtails freedom of movement internationally and can impede their ability to engage in diplomatic or political activities abroad. When combined with ongoing detention, these administrative actions create a significant barrier to an individual's legal and political recourse, raising serious questions about due process, the protection of fundamental rights, and the rule of law in Zambia. Such measures are often viewed as attempts to silence or marginalize political opposition.

Harry Kalaba's assertion that these events signify a "dangerous escalation in the weaponisation of state institutions" points to a broader concern about the integrity of governance in Zambia. This phrase suggests that governmental bodies, intended to serve the public impartially, are instead being leveraged as tools to suppress political dissent or neutralize opposition figures. Such a trend can erode public trust in democratic processes and institutions, fostering an environment where administrative power is perceived as a means of political control rather than public service, thereby undermining the democratic fabric of the nation.

The incident involving Celestine Mukandila's NRC cancellation and passport revocation, as condemned by Harry Kalaba, therefore transcends a mere individual case. It brings into sharp focus the potential for administrative actions to be politicized, impacting not only the targeted individual but also sending a chilling message to other political actors and civil society members in Zambia. This pattern, if left unchecked, could undermine the principles of rule of law and democratic accountability, raising alarms about the future of political freedoms in the country.

This incident highlights a concerning trend of administrative actions, such as NRC and passport revocations, being used against political figures in Zambia. Lawyers should advise clients, particularly those in opposition or politically exposed, on potential risks to their fundamental rights and prepare for challenges against such state actions.

Source: Original reporting via local media