Church leaders, opposition figures and former Cabinet Ministers dressed in black gathered on Friday morning at the Cathedral of the Child Jesus to pray over concerns surrounding Bill 7, the proposed constitutional amendment.
The Oasis Forum and the Church mother body that organised the prayer rally had initially planned a public protest against the constitutional amendment process.
However, the groups opted to postpone the street demonstration to allow for dialogue with President Hakainde Hichilema on Friday afternoon.
Some of the notable figures at the rally included former Cabinet Ministers, Jean Kapata, Professor Nkandu Luo, Godfridah Sumaili and others.
Also present were presidential hopefuls, Dr Chitalu Chilufya, Jackson Silavwe, Harry Kalaba, Makebi Zulu, Chishimba Kambwili and many others.
During the church service, Kasama Catholic Archbishop, Ignatius Chama called on Zambians to pray for the success of the dialogue meeting between President Hakainde Hichilema and the Oasis Forum.
Read More: Oasis Forum tells Hichilema to refocus on Bill of Rights, withdraw Bill 7, as parties dialogue at presidency
“There is need for the country to place the process in God’s hands, seeking unity and peace,” Chama stated.
He urged the nation to restore its commitment to justice, goodness and humility, guiding national laws and public life to protect the dignity and wellbeing of every person.
Chama also encouraged citizens to seek God’s guidance as the dialogue continues, stressing that Zambia must rely on divine wisdom rather than confusion or conflict.
At the same event, Oasis Forum Chairperson Beauty Katebe appealed to all parties in the dialogue meeting to approach the exercise with openness and honesty.
Meanwhile, former PF Deputy Secretary General, Mumbi Phiri questioned what legacy President Hichilema wanted to leave once he left office.
“We thank God that these prayers went well and we thank Zambians for coming through, I could see prominent people here but one thing I would like to ask the President is that when he sits alone, does he think of his children, great grandchildren, what name does he want to leave behind,” Phiri wondered.
She expressed sadness that the President was busy issuing threats to people who wanted to protest peacefully over the constitutional amendment process.
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