"The GOAT Media Centre"

Civil society sees opportunity for genuine dialogue. By Francis Maingaila Lusaka, Zambia24, (Aug. 21, 2025) – The Advocates for Democratic Governance Foundation (ADEG) has welcomed government’s decision to defer the NGO Bill No.6 to allow for broader consultations, describing it as a positive step for civic space in Zambia. The announcement was made by Community Development and Social Services Minister Doreen Mwamba, who said further engagement with stakeholders was necessary before the Bill is re-tabled. ADEG Executive Director Gideon Musonda said the move showed government was listening to concerns raised by civil society. “This is a positive step towards ensuring that the eventual law reflects the aspirations of the people and strengthens civic space in Zambia,” Musonda said. He urged that the consultation process be transparent and inclusive, ensuring that grassroots organizations are heard alongside larger NGOs.  He also called on government to respect stakeholders’ submission...

... ADEG’s Appeal for Peaceful Campaigns Lusaka, Zambia – January 8, 2025 The Advocates for Democratic Governance Foundation (ADEG) has commended the peaceful filing of nominations for the parliamentary by-elections in Pambashe and Petauke constituencies held on January 7, 2025. In a statement, Executive Director Gideon Musonda called for issue-based campaigns and urged stakeholders to avoid electoral malpractices, including violence, intimidation, character assassination, and vote-buying, as witnessed during the Kawambwa by-election. Musonda urged the Electoral Commission of Zambia (ECZ) to enforce electoral laws fairly, prevent violations, and sensitize the public on the role of District Conflict Management Committees in resolving disputes and preventing violence. The Zambia Police Service was called upon to provide impartial security to all political players, including opposition parties, and to apply the Public Order Act fairly to uphold freedoms of assembly and expression. Musond...

.. Musonda says ADEG Supports Dialogue Between Lungu and Hichilema By Francis Maingaila  Lusaka, Zambia – (13-10-2024) - The Advocates for Democratic Governance Foundation (ADEG) has issued a strong appeal for Zambians to support the church-led initiative to facilitate dialogue between former President Edgar Lungu and current President Hakainde Hichilema. Gideon Musonda, Executive Director of ADEG, emphasized the need for constructive engagement between the two leaders amidst ongoing national challenges, including economic difficulties and growing political divisions among their supporters in an exclusivetelephoneinterview. Musonda underscored that genuine dialogue is essential as Zambia approaches the politically charged environment ahead of the 2026 general elections.  “The time for genuine dialogue is now. We need to create a conducive environment where unity in diversity can flourish,” he stated.  “This is not just about the two leaders; it is about the future of our nation and the...