Catholic bishops in Zambia launch ‘unjust debts’ cancellation campaign, call for economic justice

The Zambia Conference of Catholic Bishops (ZCCB) has launched the Jubilee Debt Cancellation Campaign, advocating for the cancellation of unjust debts to achieve economic justice and sustainable development in Zambia and beyond.

The campaign aligned with the Jubilee tradition of forgiveness and renewal and responds to a global call from Pope Francis to address the urgent need for debt relief for struggling nations, including Zambia.

During the launch held at Kapingila House in Lusaka on Friday, ZCCB president, Archbishop Ignatius Chama, highlighted the moral and ethical imperatives of debt cancellation, stressing that Zambia’s crippling debt burden hinders national development and exacerbates poverty.

“We believe that it is morally justifiable to demand debt cancellation, given the historical and systemic injustices that have contributed to Zambia’s debt crisis,” Chama said.

He explained that debt cancellation would provide Zambia with much-needed financial relief, freeing up resources for essential services and allowing the government to focus on poverty alleviation initiatives that benefit vulnerable communities.

“Many argue that debt cancellation is a moral imperative, especially when debts are viewed as unjust or predatory, hindering development rather than supporting it,” he added.

Chama further emphasized the importance of transparency and accountability in debt management, urging the Zambian government and the international community to commit to systemic reforms to ensure future economic stability.

“Even as we advocate for debt cancellation, we are also calling for accountability and transparency. Therefore, to qualify for debt cancellation, countries should meet the following conditions centered on accountability and transparency,” he stated.

He stressed the need for governments to strengthen parliamentary oversight in the debt acquisition process.

“Parliamentary oversight should include detailed assessments of the terms of the debt and its alignment with national development goals,” Chama said.

He added that parliamentary committees on finance and economic affairs should have the authority to monitor ongoing debt management and ensure compliance with national and international standards.

CARITAS Zambia Executive Director, Dr. Gabriel Mapulanga, reaffirmed the Bishops’ commitment to engaging various stakeholders, including the Zambian government, World Bank, International Monetary Fund (IMF), embassies, and civil society organizations.

“We will reach out to other international bodies and civil society organizations, COMESA, African governments, and Catholic sister organizations to highlight the advantages and disadvantages of debt cancellation,” Mapulanga said.

He further stated that the Bishops would engage the G7 countries during their meeting in South Africa this year, as well as finance ministers from various nations, to garner broader support for Zambia’s debt relief efforts.

The campaign aims to mobilise global support for debt cancellation and ensure that Zambia and other debt-distressed countries can implement sustainable development projects that promote economic growth and environmental sustainability.

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