Catholic Bishops in Zambia Condemn Chingola Violence, Warn Against Return of Factional Politics

Lusaka, 15 November, 2025 / 8:25 PM

Members of the Zambia Catholic Bishops Conference (ZCCB) have condemned the violence that disrupted President Hakainde Hichilema’s address at Chiwempala Market in Chingola, and expressed alarm over calls for the return of factional and loyalist network politics by ruling party officials.

In a press statement issued Thursday, November 13, ZCCB members say the recent developments “disturb the peace and moral fabric” of the nation and pose a threat to Zambia’s long-standing tradition of dialogue and mutual respect.

“We have noted with sadness the circulating video showing President Hakainde Hichilema being forced to abandon his address after some angry small-scale miners began throwing stones,” the Catholic Bishops say.

Raising alarm over a return of political thuggery and party militancy to the Southern African nation, ZCCB members further say, “Equally disturbing is another video in which a United Party for National Development (UPND) official declares the return of cadreism, warning that the ruling party will not remain passive.”

They further condemn all forms of violence and provocation, insisting that “no grievance, political or otherwise, should ever justify aggression or hostility.” 

The Catholic Church leaders call on all citizens to embrace peace, dialogue, and respect for the rule of law as the country approaches the general elections scheduled for 13 August 2026.

They emphasize that the Presidency deserves respect “regardless of who occupies it,” and commend the Zambia Police Service for acting swiftly to contain the situation without loss of life.

The Catholic Church leaders reiterate their warning against a resurgence of party cadre violence and any form of retaliatory behaviour, saying that such trends threaten democracy and national unity.

“Justice must be impartial and not selective,” they say, and urge law enforcement agencies to investigate both the Chingola violence and the declaration of factional politics “with equal seriousness.”

With the election season drawing closer, ZCCB members are urging political actors and supporters to show maturity, tolerance, and restraint.

“Elections should never become a season of fear, violence, or hatred. An eye for an eye will only deepen political divisions and lead the nation down a dangerous path of instability,” they say in the message the ZCCB Secretary General, Fr. Francis Mukosa, signed.

Zambia’s Catholic Bishop also call on other faith leaders in the country to intensify moral guidance and civic education and remind Zambians of the nation’s painful past under political violence.

“Our nation does not deserve to be taken back to those dark days of fear. Let us all work together to preserve the peace we have continued to enjoy,” ZCCB members say.

They implore, “May the God of peace guide our nation and grant wisdom to all our leaders as we journey toward the 2026 General Elections in unity and fraternity.”