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In a case stirring nationwide debate, the Law Association of Zambia (LAZ) has stepped into the fray by applying to join the Constitutional Court as an amicus curiae ( friend of the court) on whether the sale of 51 percent shares of Mopani Copper Mines was unconstitutional.
In this matter, Matero MP and PF faction leader, Miles Sampa launched a challenge against the sale of a 51 percent stake in Mopani Copper Mines to Delta Mining Limited, a subsidiary of International Resources Holding from the United Arab Emirates.
In a compelling affidavit, LAZ President, Lungisani Zulu argued that the association should be allowed to make submissions on issues of profound public interest.
Under its statutory mandate to uphold the rule of law, promote justice, and protect the public interest, LAZ contended that the case touches on critical constitutional questions.
Specifically, it centers on the interpretation and application of Article 210 of the Constitution, which requires the National Assembly’s approval before any sale, transfer, or disposal of major state assets.
Represented by Messrs Joseph Chirwa & Company, LAZ’s submission explained that Sampa initiated proceedings on December 16, 2024, alleging that the Mopani sale violated constitutional provisions.
In response, the Attorney General, acting on behalf of the Government denied these allegations, asserting that the transaction did not qualify as the disposal of a major state asset needing parliamentary endorsement.
Zulu claimed LAZ’s intervention was aimed at enriching the court’s understanding of the procedural and substantive constitutional issues at stake.
He added that by providing its legal insights, the association hoped not only to clarify the requirements under Article 210 but also to set a robust precedent for public resource governance in Zambia.
This move, LAZ argued, would safeguard transparency, accountability, and the broader public interest without prejudicing the rights of the parties involved.
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