Zambia Bishops Appeal for Respect for Human Dignity

The Zambia Conference of Catholic Bishops issued a pastoral statement on September 30 calling for a renewed commitment to the dignity of every person. The appeal follows an appearance by Archbishop Alick Banda of Lusaka before the Drug Enforcement Commission on September 28.

Archbishop Ignatius Chama and other bishops expressed concern regarding increasing political polarization, the use of ethnic and tribal sentiments for political gain, and a shrinking space for freedom of expression. The bishops stated that no political interest, party loyalty, or exercise of power justifies violating human dignity or taking innocent lives.

The statement also addressed several issues regarding the country's governance and the 2026 General Elections. These include concerns about the transparency of electoral processes, restrictions on access to justice, political violence, the harassment and arrest of opposition members, and debates surrounding constitutional provisions for presidential terms.