ZAMBIA: 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 from the bishops, including conference president Archbishop Ignatius Chama, follows an appearance by the Archbishop of Lusaka, Alick Banda, before the Drug Enforcement Commission on September 28.

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

The statement also addressed concerns about the transparency of the 2026 General Elections and the credibility of electoral processes. Other issues raised by the bishops include restrictions on access to justice, the arrest and harassment of opposition members, political violence, and debates regarding constitutional provisions on presidential terms of office.