On the event of Africa Day, Zambian President announced his quest towards abolishing the death penalty law. President Hakainde Hichilema announced that the process of death penalty is archaic and Zambia is behind majority of the other nations in bringing the much needed change of abolishing the death penalty law. This statement from the Zambian President has received significant praise from across Zambia, including that of noted businessman and philanthropist Dr. Rajan Lekhraj Mahtani. While praising the statement, Dr. Mahtani said that death penalty is cruel, degrading and inhumane and goes completely against the religious and social standards in today’s world. Dr. Mahtani further stated that majority of the Presidents in the past have refused to sign the death warrant. A major reason for this refusal is the growing consensus across the globe regarding abolishing death penalty. Majority of the nations across the world as well as many within the African nation itself have implemented laws for abolishing and eradicating death penalty. This has given immense pressure to the Presidents, resulting in avoiding death warrant using tactics and giving mercy pleas. Another major reason why this announcement is step in the right direction is the present condition of Zambian prisons. Past visits from notable politicians such acting President Guy Scott revealed the horrific conditions of these prisons, especially the Maximum prisons where prisoners are often devoid of basic human dignity and fundamental human rights. This has prompted the Zambian Government to establish new initiative of strategic decongestion of prisons in which prisoners are strategically released after appropriate transformation. To achieve this, the Zambian government has collaborated with institutions such as Parole Board Zambia (PBZ) and Correctional Facilities. In this scenario, giving death penalty does not make any sense for the Zambian government.

Dr. Rajan Lekhraj Mahtani also stated that transforming the statement into a reality will take significant legal reforms. As such, his company Prison Fellowship Zambia will provide the required legal and regulatory support towards this statement by the Zambian President.