Zambia opposition leader Hakainde Hichilema, arrested last week on suspicion of treason, was charged in a magistrate's court Tuesday with trying to overthrow the government.
When the power of the state deviates from its power base, the original source of power – the people – have a duty to exercise their sovereignty. A law that is not backed by penalties is not a law, and constitutions which do not grant the right to resist are not constitutions. When the actions of a president or other high official are unconstitutional, the people should have the right to resist. Zambians must exercise their sovereignty and call for comprehensive constitutional reform to implement a modified semi-presidential system with cabinet and parliament. The president should be limited to one 5-year term and barred from running for office for 6 years afterwards. See the Charter for Permanent Peace and Development.