MS Zambia Newsletter May 2010

SACCORD continues fighting deregistration

Though SACCORD has temporarily regained its NGO-status after a six-year battle with the Ministry of Home Affairs, the future of the organisation is now in the hands of the Supreme Court. ”It has been a lonely fight,” says Lee Habasonda CEO of SACCORD referring to the general lack of support from the NGO community in Zambia.

By Norma J. Martinez, Communication Advisor, MS- Zambia

17. May 2010

Deregistration, undocumented accusations, court hearings, appeals, retrials and uncertainty. This has been the reality for SACCORD (Southern Africa Centre for the Constructive Resolution of Disputes) the past six years, since former Minister of Home affairs Hon Shikapwasha decided to deregister the organisation in 2004. Earlier this year the High Court decided to uphold the decision made by the Ministry of Home Affairs. SACCORD appealed this decision and has now temporarily regained their status through a court injuction, but only until the Supreme Court decision has been reached.   At present time SACCORD is waiting to present and argue its case.

“When this will be? We just don’t know,” says Lee Habasonda who has been waiting in limbo for the last six years. “I do not expect it to be this year. Next year is election year and politicians will have better things to do than bother about us. But we will continue to fight even though it has been a lonely fight.”

Lee Habasonda is disappointed by the general lack of support from the NGO community in Zambia. “Even though the NGO law has not yet been implemented it is already working effectively,” says Lee Habasonda. “Big parts of the NGO community have been quiet and passive when we needed them the most. Many are frightened to speak up out of fear of being deregistered. This is the reality of activism in Zambia today.”

Despite uncertainty about its status SACCORD continues its work on strengthening local level participation and monitoring governance processes. “This harassment has made us stronger and has given attention to our work. The reason we are still here is the great support we have experienced from the Zambian people and some partners  throughout this long process.”

The deregistration of SACCORD in 2004 was based on the allegation that the organization was engaged in activities, which are a danger to state security. The ministry of Home Affairs has not to this date presented documentation for these allegations.
“We are still waiting for concrete documentation for what the ministry calls ‘activities, which are a danger to state security’.”
The Ministry of Home Affairs insists that it is not obliged to present documentation for its accusations.