By 
The Archdiocese of Lusaka has issued an open letter of protest to President Hakainde Hichilema, condemning what it describes as government’s “systemic abuse” of power.
The letter, dated October 28, 2024, was prompted by an incident earlier that day when police blocked the Cathedral of the Child Jesus to prevent the Catholic Church from holding a memorial service for Zambia’s 5th Republican President, Michael Sata, who passed away in 2014.
Expressing “shock and dismay” over the police action, the Archdiocese described the blockade as a unilateral and forceful act to interfere with the service intended to honour Sata’s legacy.
“We wish to bring to your attention this serious mischief on the part of Government aimed at intimidation by way of abuse of the instruments of State violence,” the letter read, highlighting that the incident infringed on the fundamental right of worship.
According to the Archdiocese, when church officials arrived that morning, they found both entrances to the cathedral sealed off by heavily armed, anti-riot police, who turned away attendees and created a tense atmosphere that deterred morning worshipers.
“The Cathedral is a place of worship,” the Archdiocese said, adding that the incident was “totally unacceptable” for a nation that professes Christianity.
The church stressed that such acts of intimidation must be condemned, calling the state’s confrontational stance toward the Church “endemic and systemic.”
The Archdiocese noted that church officials had sought permission months in advance to host the 10th-anniversary requiem mass for President Sata.
Read More: PF to hold separate memorial service for late President Sata ahead official State event
It pointed out that a similar memorial was permitted at the Anglican Cathedral of the Holy Cross but argued this did not justify blocking a service at another location.
Despite intervention attempts by Archbishop Dr. Alick Banda and lawyer John Sangwa, the premises remained sealed until after 09:30 hours.
“Your Excellency, we wish to express our concerns with the heavy-handed approach witnessed today and the disrespect shown to a sacred premises,” the Archdiocese stated.
The church accused the government of coordinating a systemic violation of human rights, citing an increase in harassment and arbitrary arrests as a norm.
It added, “Today’s events at the Cathedral are not an isolated incident but rather a coordinated scheme to intimidate the citizenry.”
WARNING! All rights reserved. This material, and other digital content on this website, may not be reproduced, published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed in whole or in part without prior express permission from ZAMBIA MONITOR.
Comments