SECAM expresses solidarity with Zambia's Archbishop Banda

The Symposium of Episcopal Conferences of Africa and Madagascar (SECAM) expressed solidarity with Archbishop Alick Banda of Lusaka and the Zambia Conference of Catholic Bishops on October 1, 2026. SECAM President Cardinal Fridolin Ambongo Besungu sent the message to Archbishop Ignatius Chama, president of the Zambian bishops' conference, following investigations involving Archbishop Banda.

The support follows Archbishop Banda's appearance before the Drug Enforcement Commission of Zambia on September 28, 2026. SECAM noted the clarification from Zambian bishops that Archbishop Banda is not accused of involvement in the alleged disposal of a vehicle, noting the vehicle was surrendered to the state in December 2023. Cardinal Ambongo stated that the organization trusts competent institutions to follow the law and respect human dignity as the judicial process continues.

The message from the African bishops' body also encouraged Catholics in Zambia to remain calm, united, and prayerful. This comes after the Zambia Conference of Catholic Bishops issued a statement on September 30 expressing concern over arbitrary arrests, the presence of military personnel in civilian areas, and the use of force.