The African Bar Association (AfBA) has expressed deep sorrow over the death of Dr. Rodger Masauso Alives Chongwe (SAN), who passed away on May 6, 2025. The Association described the news of his passing as a monumental loss not only to Zambia, but to Africa as a whole.
In a condolence message signed by the President of the African Bar Association, High Chief Ibrahim Eddy Mark, the Association paid tribute to Dr. Chongwe’s legacy as a founding member and its first President. The Association celebrated his vision, leadership, and lifelong commitment to advancing the legal profession in Africa.
“We at African Bar Association received with shock but in gratitude to God the news of the demise of our founding President, Dr. Rodger Masauso Alives Chongwe (SC),” the statement read.
Mark recalled that Dr. Chongwe played a leading role in the establishment of the African Bar Association in 1971, with the goal of uniting African lawyers in pursuit of justice, professional growth, and service to humanity.
“We are fully aware of his desire to bring together lawyers of African descent to enable us to decide our unity of purpose in solving the myriad of problems facing the average African lawyer in Africa,” the AfBA President stated.
He also noted Dr. Chongwe’s “unblemished record” of service to Zambia and the African continent, especially in championing the legal profession and setting an example of principled leadership.
AfBA extended its condolences to Dr. Chongwe’s family and the Law Association of Zambia, emphasising that the loss is not theirs alone but shared by all who value justice and progress in Africa.
“The African Bar Association will miss him but will take solace in the knowledge that his spirit rests in the bosom of the Lord,” the statement continued. “His legacy will be preserved and his story retold as a guide to what true service to humanity means.”
According to AfBA, Dr. Chongwe’s name and contributions will remain a permanent part of the Association’s history. His life’s work provided the foundation on which the African Bar Association continues to stand.
The organization reaffirmed its commitment to keeping Dr. Chongwe’s ideals alive and prayed for strength and comfort for his family in this difficult time.
