More organizations join solidarity for Archbishop Banda, call for justice

The Association of Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Malawi, Zambia and Zimbabwe (ACB-MAZAZI) has expressed sadness and concern following the legal proceedings, arrest and detention of Lusaka Archbishop Alick Banda.

Banda recently appeared before the Drug Enforcement Commission (DEC) and subsequently in court after spending a night in detention in connection with ongoing investigations involving a motor vehicle.

Local and continental Catholic bodies have since issued messages of solidarity with the Archbishop.

In a statement issued by its president, Raymond Mpandasekwa, ACB-MAZAZI, which represents the Catholic sub-region, said it was deeply concerned and saddened by the events in Zambia.

“We express our profound sadness and concern following the recent legal proceedings, arrest and detention of the Archbishop Banda by state authorities,” Mpandasekwa said.

He said the regional body would continue standing in solidarity with Archbishop Banda and the entire Zambia Conference of Catholic Bishops (ZCCB).

“The collective prayer of the millions of religious faithful across Malawi, Zambia and Zimbabwe are united with them during this difficult period of trial,” Mpandasekwa said.

The regional religious body said the Catholic Church consistently upheld the rule of law, honours national sovereignty and respects civil institutions.

It, however, stressed that justice must be administered with fairness, transparency and respect for human rights and human dignity.

Mpandasekwa appealed to the authorities and Zambia’s legal system to ensure that Archbishop Banda was afforded full, just and transparent due process in accordance with national laws and international legal norms.

“We urge all parties, the faithful and the wider public to remain calm, united and prayerful by rejecting all forms of escalation while pursuing the path of constructed dialogue and mutual respect,” reads part of the statement.

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