Government has suspended dialogue with the Oasis Forum.Chief Government Spokesperson Cornelius Mweetwa says the decision to suspend the talks was arrived at after it became clear that the Oasis Forum was not prepared to engage constructively.
Mr Mweetwa has disclosed that instead of participating in meaningful discussions, the Forum submitted a letter dated Saturday 29th November 2025 indicating its unwillingness to proceed with dialogue.
The Minister says the Oasis Forum’s letter did not identify specific problematic clauses in the proposals and did not offer any alternative proposals
According to a statement issued to ZNBC News in Lusaka this evening, Mr Mweetwa said Government has been left with no option but to discontinue the engagement for now.He said effective dialogue requires mutual commitment and acting in good faith.
And Mr Mweetwasays Government remains steadfast in its belief that constitutional amendments are critical at this time to enhance equity, broader and inclusive national development and governance.He adds that the doors for dialogue remain open to all stakeholders including the Oasis Forum.
The Minister says President Hichilema remains committed to inclusive dialogue as a cornerstone for national Unity and Development.
Mr Mweetwa has also reaffirmed that all legal protocols have been strictly adhered to in the formation of the Technical Committee and the solicitation of citizens’ views nationwide.He noted that a gesture of goodwill was extended to the Oasis Forum in that spirit, but that the was regrettably not reciprocated.
Attorney General Mr. Mulilo Kabesha led a Government delegation in scheduled talks with the Oasis Forum as part of the constitutional reform process.The meeting was intended to follow up on the Friday 28th of September 2025 engagement at State House chaired by President Hakainde Hichilema.
