Again, Catholic bishops raise the alarm, decry shrinking democratic space, hounding of opposition parties

The Zambia Conference of Catholic Bishops (ZCCB) has expressed alarm over what it described as a deteriorating democratic environment, marked by the arrests and prolonged detention of opposition leaders.

In a pastoral letter issued in Lusaka on Sunday, the Bishops revealed that at least six opposition leaders were currently facing charges linked to their political activities, highlighting what they termed as a significant restriction of democratic freedoms.

“We are gravely concerned by the shrinking democratic space in the country. For example, about six or more opposition leaders are facing the law simply because of their participation in political activism,” the Bishops stated.

Signed by all 11 Catholic Bishops in Zambia, the letter called on the ruling United Party for National Development (UPND) to ensure fairness in the political landscape.

“We urge the government to tolerate divergent views and promote democracy in the country,” they added.

The Bishops also condemned the prolonged detention of political figures, journalists, and other individuals without trial, asserting that such practices undermine democratic principles.

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“Of concern is the detention of individuals, journalists, and opposition political leaders for expressing their views on governance issues,” the letter read.

Additionally, the pastoral letter criticized the UPND government for its use of derogatory language against the Church, referencing UPND Secretary-General Batuke Imenda’s labelling of Lusaka Archbishop Alick Banda as “Lucifer.”

“The Church expected Mr. Imenda to apologize for his remarks, as they were not only an insult to Archbishop Banda but to the entire Catholic Church,” the Bishops emphasized.

The letter also condemned the deployment of police officers to the Cathedral of the Child Jesus, viewing it as a form of intimidation.

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