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The Zambia Conference of Catholic Bishops (ZCCB) has expressed solidarity with Lusaka Archbishop Alick Banda, describing his summoning by the Drug Enforcement Commission (DEC) as an attempt to silence the Catholic Church’s prophetic voice on national governance.
In a statement issued on January 2, 2026, the bishops said they were aware that Archbishop Banda had been summoned to appear before the Anti-Money Laundering Investigations Unit of the DEC on January 5, following a letter delivered to him on December 31, 2025.
The bishops accused the state of using public institutions to target the Archbishop because of his stance on governance and accountability.
“As ZCCB, we view this action as an attempt to suppress his voice as a Shepherd of the Archdiocese of Lusaka and a member of ZCCB,” the statement reads.
They further alleged that Archbishop Banda had been subjected to sustained attacks and intimidation, which they described as politically motivated.
“Archbishop Banda has faced consistent name-calling and what we can now recognize as state-sponsored persecution. We consider it an abuse of authority for the ruling party to utilize state machinery against an individual due to his stance on national governance and his efforts to hold the government accountable,” the bishops stated.
The ZCCB said the Catholic Church had historically played a critical role in promoting justice, faith, and service to Zambians, and warned against attempts to undermine its leadership and mission.
“Today, as attempts are made to silence her prophetic voice and undermine her pastoral mission, we affirm that the Church’s role in defending truth, justice, and human dignity cannot be diminished or suppressed,” the statement reads.
The bishops condemned what they termed intimidation and harassment against the Church and its leaders, warning that such actions threatened national unity.
“We therefore condemn all forms of intimidation, harassment, and persecution directed against the Catholic Church and her leaders. Such actions not only wound the ‘Body of Christ’, the Church, but also threaten the moral fabric and unity of our nation,” the statement said.
The bishops stressed that the Church must remain free to speak on national issues and guide the country morally.
“The Church’s voice must remain free to speak truth to powers that be, to comfort the afflicted, and to guide Zambia toward a future rooted in our motto: One Zambia One Nation!” the bishops said.
The ZCCB reaffirmed its full support for Archbishop Banda and called for dialogue rather than confrontation.
“We reaffirm that it is morally wrong to use state institutions to persecute those who hold dissent views and/or provide oversight on matters of governance. Dialogue and mutual respect should be the way to go,” the statement reads.
The bishops also urged Catholics and other citizens to remain calm and prayerful as the country approaches the general elections.
“We exhort the Catholic faithful and all people of good will to continue praying for calm, peace and unity in our nation, especially as we get closer to this year’s general elections,” they said.
The statement was signed by ZCCB President, Archbishop Ignatius Chama of Kasama.
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