Speaker of Parliament Rt Hon Anitah Among has called on Security Minister Jim Muhwezi to address pressing concerns related to human rights violations raised by the Opposition.
Opposition members have decided to abstain from the weekly plenary sessions, citing the government’s failure to commit to addressing six critical issues they believe are being overlooked.
These demands include inquiries into the whereabouts of 18 missing supporters of the opposition National Unity Platform (NUP) party, cessation of the targeting and victimization of Muslims, an end to the detention without trial of political dissidents, and a halt to human rights violations against fishing communities. The Opposition is also demanding action on the shrinking civil space, mistreatment of politicians and the media, and the trial of civilians in military courts
During plenary on Tuesday, Among directed that the Minister presents a statement as the extended time the Minister requested for had already expired. She noted that there has been communication between her office and that of the Minister and she was notified by the latter to present a statement in one week, that expired on Monday.
“Minister of Security wrote to me and asked for an additional one week, which ended yesterday. I am now directing that the Executive presents a report to this House tomorrow. Let us be accountable to this country, let us be transparent, and let us do what we have been sent to do in this House.” she said
The Opposition’s grave concerns about human rights violations prompted the demand for a timely and transparent response from the Minister of Security.
Despite an extension granted by the Speaker, the Executive’s requested time frame has expired, leading to the directive for an immediate presentation of the report.