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The Zambia Conference of Catholic Bishops (ZCCB) has raised concern over the manipulation of ethnic identities and tribal sentiments for political purposes, warning that such tendencies risked creating divisions and mistrust among Zambians.
In a pastoral statement on the state of the nation, the bishops said the trend threatened the spirit expressed in Zambia’s national motto, “One Zambia, One Nation,” and called for efforts to promote national unity.
“We are concerned about the manipulation of ethnic identities and tribal sentiments for political purposes. Such tendencies threaten the spirit expressed in our national motto, ‘One Zambia, One Nation,’ and risk creating divisions and mistrust among citizens,” the bishops stated.
The bishops also expressed concern over increasing political polarisation, saying it was weakening dialogue and cooperation and making it more difficult for citizens to place the common good above partisan interests.
They urged political leaders and actors to reject inflammatory language, tribalism, violence and all forms of intolerance, while calling for a sustained process of national dialogue, reconciliation and healing across political and religious divisions.
The bishops said they were also concerned about fears experienced by many citizens, including those relating to personal security, freedom of expression, employment and the consequences of expressing political opinions.
They raised concerns about the narrowing of the space for freedom of expression, including issues surrounding the treatment of independent media, civil society and dissenting voices.
“A healthy democracy requires room for responsible disagreement, scrutiny and peaceful participation,” the bishops stated.
The ZCCB also expressed concern about the credibility and transparency of electoral processes, including concerns raised over the conduct and management of the 2026 General Elections.
The bishops further raised concerns about restrictions affecting access to justice and perceptions that the independence of institutions of governance and the rule of law were being weakened.
They also highlighted difficulties faced by opposition parties and political actors, including reports of harassment, restrictions and arrests, saying democracy requires space for alternative political voices and peaceful political participation.
The bishops called for the independence, credibility and effectiveness of institutions responsible for safeguarding democracy, constitutionalism, justice and the rule of law to be strengthened.
They also called for the revision and strengthening of electoral processes to restore confidence in the political process.
“We make this statement not to deepen fear but to give hope. We know many of our people are anxious and uncertain about the future,” the statement said.
The bishops also urged the clergy, religious and lay faithful to intensify prayers for the country.
“More than ever before, we urge the clergy, religious and lay faithful to gather in numbers in their chosen places for rosary and ensure that no day passed without this powerful prayer,” they stated.
Meanwhile, the Council of Churches in Zambia (CCZ) has urged law enforcement agencies not to use arrests as a substitute for trials or detention as a substitute for investigations.
CCZ President, Reverend Ackson Banda, expressed concern over reports of people who had been arrested and remained in custody without being promptly brought before a competent court.
Banda raised the concern in a communique issued at the end of a Heads of Churches meeting on the state of the nation held at the University of Zambia (UNZA) Chapel in Lusaka on Wednesday.
The meeting was held under the theme “Church and Community Transformation, Peacebuilding and the Role of the Church in the Nation.”
“The power to arrest is an important instrument of law enforcement, but it must always be exercised within the law and with full respect for constitutional rights,” he said.
Banda said arrested persons should be informed of the allegations against them, treated humanely, given access to legal representation and brought before a competent court within the requirements of the law.
He said where there were sufficient grounds for prosecution, courts should be allowed to determine the matter, while individuals should not be subjected to arbitrary or prolonged detention where such grounds did not exist.
“Every person is entitled to presumption of innocence, equal treatment before the law and access to justice, regardless of political affiliation, religious standing or social status,” Banda stated.
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Banda also raised concern over the death of former Minister Mutotwe Kafwaya, who died in August 2026 during a state security operation, and joined calls for a thorough, independent, impartial and transparent investigation capable of establishing the facts and commanding public confidence.
He further flagged allegations involving groups described as militias operating outside lawful security structures, saying such allegations should be urgently investigated and brought to a clear and credible conclusion.
On the 2026 general election, Banda said voting and counting generally proceeded well, but raised concerns about results management and the ability of political parties, observers and citizens to follow and challenge the process.
He called on institutions to draw lessons and strengthen transparency, accountability and dispute resolution, saying institutions could not simply demand public trust but must continually earn it.
“Zambia is passing through a critical moment and called on leaders to lower political tensions, rebuild trust and keep the middle ground open,” Banda said.
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