Catholic Bishops in Zambia Express Concern Over Escalation of Intolerance ahead of 2026 Elections

Kabwe, 24 November, 2025 / 3:00 PM

Members of the Zambia Catholic Bishops Conference (ZCCB) have cautioned against the rise of “politically motivated confrontations” as the country heads towards the 2026 general election.

In their November 20 statement, the Catholic Church leaders warn that the trend is “deeply worrying” and poses a threat to the stability of the Southern African nation.

The Bishops note that that the “acts of violence,” among them the November 19 attack on opposition politician Given Lubinda in Kabwe, the recent stoning of the Republican President in Chingola, and the November 15 attacks on the PF Secretariat, “have no place in a democratic nation like Zambia and must be denounced.”

“We are particularly concerned about the escalation of violent behavior, some of it invited through social media, as we approach the elections,” the Catholic Bishops in Zambia say in the statement that ZCCB Secretary General Fr. Francis Mukosa signed.

They add, “Zambia has built its identity on peace, and this foundation must not be eroded by partisan hostility. Let it be clearly stated that retaliation to violence must never be an option, and political violence must not be tolerated under any circumstances.”

The ZCCB members call on the people of God in the Southern African nation “to refrain from violence, provocation, and lawlessness,” stressing that every Zambian has both a moral and civic duty to protect the peace for which the country is renowned.

“ZCCB also calls on political party leaders to take decisive steps in restraining and guiding their supporters,” reads the November 20 statement themed, ‘Make every effort to live in peace with everyone and to be holy; without holiness no one will see the Lord (Hebrews 12:14).’”

Citing Zambian President Hakainde Hichilema’s consistent call for “the need for non-violence and peaceful political engagement,” the Catholic Bishops also appeal to “all leaders, across the political spectrum, to echo and enforce” the President’s message “within their ranks, before it is taken for mere rhetoric.”

“We call on all stakeholders to rise above partisan interests and work toward preserving the harmony that has defined our nation for generations,” they say, adding, “Zambia can only prosper when peace prevails.”

The Zambian Bishops commend law enforcement agencies for their rapid response during the attack against an opposition politician on November 19, which helped rescue the targeted politician and avert what they described as a potentially “more tragic outcome.”

“As we draw nearer to the 2026 general elections, ZCCB calls on the Police Service to intensify efforts to maintain peace, law, and order,” they state, adding an appeal for impartial law enforcement and the prompt apprehension of those responsible for political violence.

They say, “We, once again, appeal to the Zambia Police Service to avoid the selective application of the law. Those individuals visibly seen in video footage attacking Hon. Lubinda must be identified and arrested immediately without fear or favor.”

“Equal enforcement of the law is essential to building public confidence and discouraging future acts of violence,” the Zambian Catholic Church leaders say in the November 20 statement.

The Southern African nation is scheduled to hold its general elections on 13 August 2026, when eligible citizens are expected to vote to elect the president, members of the National Assembly, councillors, and council chairpersons. Other African countries due for general elections on the African continent in 2026 include Uganda in January, Ethiopia in June, Morocco in September, and South Sudan in December.

On November 13, the ZCCB members condemned the violence that disrupted President 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.

Their attention was drawn by a video circulating online showing the president being forced to abandon his address after some angry small-scale miners began throwing stones.

In their November 13 statement, the Catholic Bishops raised alarm over a return of political thuggery and party militancy to the Southern African nation.

The ZCCB members said, “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.”

“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 stated.