NGOCC EXPRESSES DISMAY OVER MABONGA ’s INCARCERATION, CALLS FOR FAIR APPLICATION OF THE LAW
The Non-Governmental Gender Organisations’ Coordinating Council (NGOCC) has expressed profound sadness over the sentencing of Maureen Mabonga, Member of Parliament for Mfuwe Constituency under the Patriotic Front (PF), who has been handed an eight-month simple imprisonment term following her conviction for seditious practices.
In a press statement,NGOCC has noted with concern the implications of Mabonga’s incarceration not only as a legal matter, but as a significant setback for women’s representation in national leadership.
NGOCC Chairperson Beauty Katebe says while they respects the authority of the courts, it remains troubled by what it views as an emerging pattern where opposition voices, particularly women, face more aggressive legal action compared to those aligned with the ruling establishment.
Ms Katebe says they have observed a worrying trend where critics of the government appear more susceptible to prosecution and incarceration than their counterparts in the ruling party.
She adds that this undermines the fundamental democratic principle of equality before the law.
Ms Katebe has also emphasized that the imprisonment of Ms Mabonga further erodes the already low number of female lawmakers in Zambia’s Parliament, a loss that she said comes at a time when the country should be intensifying efforts to promote gender equality ahead of the 2026 general elections.
NGOCC extended its sympathy to Ms Mabonga and the Zambia Women Parliamentary Caucus, reaffirming its commitment to advocating for increased women’s participation in decision-making processes.
By Victoria Kayeye Yambani
