“Rights Come With Duties"

 Mwanajiti Tells Africa that Freedom without responsibility will always breeds instability

By Francis Maingaila ♥️ 

Lusaka, Zambia24  (29-09-2025) – Human Rights Defender and Democracy Specialist Ngande Mwanajiti has warned that Africa risks instability if democratic rights are exercised without responsibility.  

In his commentary Challenges of Freedom, ahead of Zambia’s 2026 general elections, Mwanajiti said the phrase “it is my democratic right” is increasingly used by some political actors, and he warned it can sometimes justify actions that critics describe as improper, potentially undermining democratic principles.

Mwanajiti cautioned that rights without corresponding duties could weaken governance and constitutional integrity.

“Every right carries corresponding responsibilities. No one has the authority to take life or ignore public policy in pursuit of personal or political gain,” Mwanajiti said.

He observed that constitutional systems across Africa can be fragile when reforms face resistance, noting that some opposition to change is often motivated by protecting personal or partisan privileges rather than the public interest.

Mwanajiti highlighted areas such as the Public Order Act, electoral reforms, and decentralization as examples where citizens and civil society have expressed concern about the implementation of policies and the exercise of rights. 

He emphasized that these discussions illustrate the importance of balancing freedoms with responsibility.

“Constitutions are living documents. Responsible reforms give them life over time. Resisting necessary change for political advantage is unhelpful. No effective government halts essential services or delays reforms because of politics,” Mwanajiti said.

He also stressed that democracy cannot be defined solely by elections. Governance extends beyond voting, requiring continuity, accountability, and reforms that endure beyond a single election cycle.

“Elections are important, but they cannot define governance alone. True progress depends on sustained responsibility, long-term planning, and reforms that last beyond a single day of voting,” Mwanajiti noted.

Mwanajiti concluded by urging leaders and citizens across Africa to embrace foresight, compromise, and accountability in exercising democratic rights.

“Africa must pursue balance — a spirit of give and take — both today and for the generations to come,” he said.