Home Affairs Minister Stephen Kampyongo has, following an appeal, overruled the Lusaka Division police command’s decision to stop nine Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) from demonstrating against the mismanagement of public resources by government, an activity which is expected to take place today Friday, being the day of the 2019 national budget presentation at Parliament.

Police had earlier told the protesting CSOs to apply for a protest permit on a later date other than the day for budget presentation, but following a successful appeal to the Home Affair Minister by the applicants, the police have rescinded their earlier position, urging the participants to observe law and order.

This was contained in a rescinded letter availed to News Diggers by NGOCC executive director Engwase Mwale.

“Following an appeal, you are allowed to go ahead, but observe law and order,” read the letter signed by M. Zimba, Officer Commanding – Lusaka Urban District Headquarters, dated September 27, 2018.

And the Alliance for Community Action (ACA), which is among the several CSOs scheduled to voice out against the rampant abuse of public resources, have reiterated their intention to participate in the public demonstration.

ACA executive director Laura Miti confirmed yesterday that Minister of Home Affairs Stephen Kampyongo had instructed the police to allow them to protest today.

“Yes, it is [still on]. The police have allowed it today (yesterday), the Minister of Home Affairs instructed them to allow us. We will be at Parliament between 14:00 and 18:00 hours. It will be a peaceful protest. We will be holding up placards and making sure that we are heard about accountability, debt, corruption and all issues that are worrying citizens; that our public money is being mismanaged, while ordinary citizens are living very poor and deprived lives,” Miti told News Diggers! in an interview in Lusaka.