African bishops express solidarity with Zambia’s arrested Archbishop Banda

Bishops across Africa expressed solidarity with Archbishop Alick Banda of the Archdiocese of Lusaka following his arrest and appearance before Zambia's Drug Enforcement Commission. In a message issued October 1, Cardinal Fridolin Ambongo Besungu, president of the Symposium of Episcopal Conferences of Africa and Madagascar (SECAM), said the organization learned of the investigations with great concern.

The legal proceedings involve an investigation into a car gift. According to the Zambia Conference of Catholic Bishops, Archbishop Banda is not accused of involvement in the alleged disposal of the vehicle, which he surrendered to the state in December 2023. Cardinal Ambongo stated that SECAM trusts Zambian institutions will follow the law while respecting the rights and dignity of those involved to ensure truth and justice.

The support for the Archbishop comes during a period of tension and government-fueled violence in Zambia following elections in August. In a separate statement on September 30, Zambian bishops raised concerns regarding arbitrary arrests, the presence of military personnel in civilian areas, and the unlawful use of force. Cardinal Ambongo urged Zambian Catholics to remain calm, united, and prayerful.