30/09/2026
ZCCB BISHOPS RAISE CONCERNS OVER POLITICAL POLARISATION, ELECTORAL CREDIBILITY AND DEMOCRATIC SPACE IN ZAMBIA
LUSAKA, 30 September 2026 — The Zambia Conference of Catholic Bishops (ZCCB) has issued a Pastoral Statement expressing concern over what it describes as a number of developments affecting the country, including political polarisation, ethnic mobilisation, freedom of expression, electoral processes and access to justice.
The statement, titled “Pastoral Statement on the Current Situation in Zambia,” follows an extraordinary plenary meeting of eight Catholic Bishops held on 29 September 2026 to deliberate on the situation in the country.
Quoting Psalm 11:3 — “If the foundations are destroyed, what can the righteous do?” — the Bishops said their intention was not to deepen political divisions or take sides in partisan struggles, but to contribute to the protection of human dignity, justice, peace, truth and national unity.
Bishops highlight political polarisation
The ZCCB said it was concerned about increasing political polarisation, which it said was weakening dialogue and cooperation and making it more difficult for citizens to place the common good above partisan interests.
The Bishops also raised concern over what they described as the manipulation of ethnic identities and tribal sentiments for political purposes, warning that such tendencies risk creating divisions and mistrust among citizens and undermining the spirit of “One Zambia, One Nation.”
Concerns over freedom of expression
The statement further highlights concerns about the narrowing of space for freedom of expression, including issues surrounding independent media, civil society and dissenting voices.
According to the Bishops, a healthy democracy requires room for responsible disagreement, public scrutiny and peaceful participation.
They also cited concerns about fear among citizens relating to personal security, freedom of expression, employment and the consequences of expressing political opinions.
Electoral processes and 2026 elections
The ZCCB has also raised questions concerning the credibility and transparency of electoral processes, including concerns surrounding the conduct and management of the 2026 General Elections.
The Bishops stressed that public confidence in elections is important to the legitimacy and stability of democratic institutions.
The Church had previously issued pastoral guidance ahead of the 2026 elections, calling for peace and responsible participation.
Concerns over justice and opposition participation
The Bishops further expressed concern about restrictions affecting access to justice and perceptions that the independence of governance institutions and the rule of law are being weakened.
They also highlighted difficulties reportedly faced by opposition parties and political actors, including allegations of harassment, restrictions and arrests.
The statement says democracy requires space for alternative political voices and peaceful political participation.
The Bishops additionally expressed concern about intimidation, political violence and cadreism, saying these discourage citizens from participating freely and peacefully in public life.
Constitutional debates and arrests
The ZCCB also referred to ongoing debates surrounding constitutional provisions relating to presidential terms of office, particularly where such debates create anxiety about constitutional safeguards and democratic continuity.
It further raised concern over reports of arbitrary arrests and detention, the presence of military personnel in civilian spaces, and reports of excessive or unlawful use of force, including the loss of civilian lives.
The Bishops stressed that every human life is sacred and must be protected.
A call for reflection and responsibility
The Bishops said the current moment calls for “sober reflection, courage, responsibility and a renewed commitment to the common good.”
They said they had listened to the concerns, fears and hopes of citizens and reflected on them in the light of the Gospel and the social teaching of the Catholic Church.
The statement comes amid heightened national attention surrounding political and legal developments, including the ongoing case involving Lusaka Archbishop Most Rev. Dr. Alick Banda, whom the ZCCB has urged Catholics and people of goodwill to support through prayer while emphasising fairness, dignity and due process.
The full ZCCB statement is dated 30 September 2026 and is presented as a call for truth, justice, peace, responsible democratic participation and the preservation of Zambia's national unity.
