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Eight church mother bodies have clarified that they had no mandate to negotiate a political settlement between Government and the opposition Tonse Pamodzi Alliance leaders, Brian Mundubile and Makebi Zulu.
They said contrary to what was being circulated and, in some instances, seemingly deliberately portrayed, neither them nor the United Nations had a mandate from either the Government or the opposition leaders to negotiate a political reconciliation or settlement between the two parties.
Reverend Allan Kasungami said this during a media briefing held at the Anglican Cathedral of the Holy Cross in Lusaka on Friday on behalf of the church mother bodies.
Kasungami said the church was now considering a broader national healing and reconciliation process, separate from the concluded assignment, and appealed to all Zambians to reject misinformation and lower political tensions.
“The UN advised it that its premises are for UN purposes only and that the presence of the two leaders did not amount to refugee status or diplomatic asylum,” he said.
He added that it had, therefore, became necessary to facilitate their safe, orderly and dignified departure from the premises.
The UN, he stressed, desired a trusted national institution to manage the transition with the full acknowledgement and consent of the two leaders.
“Following consultations among the relevant parties, both the Government and the opposition leaders agreed that the Church Mother Bodies should be requested to undertake this limited but critical role as the trusted Third Party,” Kasungami said.
He said the two leaders indicated awareness of the matters raised by the State and expressed willingness to face lawful processes, expecting due process and respect for their rights.
“Against this background, it became particularly important to ensure that their transition from the United Nations premises took place through the Church and culminated in their formal handover to their legal representatives, so that any subsequent engagement with law-enforcement authorities would proceed in the presence of, and with access to, their legal counsel,” Kasungami said.
He said the Church subsequently engaged Government, the two leaders, and their legal representatives, while maintaining close contact with the United Nations.
Kasungami noted that the Government gave assurances that legal processes would respect the law, due process, fairness and human dignity, and that the Church would monitor implementation.
“The engagement came at the request of the United Nations through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and was undertaken with the consent of both Government and the two opposition leaders,” he said.
Read More: Mundubile, Makebi Zulu face probe over alleged treasonable offense —Zambia Police
Kasungami emphasized that the process was coordinated in close consultation with the Special Envoy of the UN Secretary-General, who concluded consultations with the Church as recently as last night.
He stressed that the Churches’ involvement was rooted in its biblical mandate of peace-making and justice, and that it did not seek to determine guilt or innocence.
“Our role here is not to determine innocence or guilt, nor to interfere with the work of lawful institutions. It is to help ensure that this transition takes place peacefully, responsibly and with respect for all parties,” Kasungami said.
Zambia police has since recorded warn and caution statements from Mundubile, and Zulu, in connection with an alleged treason offence.
The two were quizzed by investigators and remained in custody, police spokesperson, Godfrey Chilabi said in a statement.
Police said the investigation related to an alleged offence of treason contrary to Section 43(1) of Zambia’s Penal Code, Chapter 87.
Mundubile was a presidential candidate in Zambia’s Aug. 13 election, while Zulu served as his running mate.
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