African Catholic bishops rally behind Archbishop Banda, call for due process

The Symposium of Episcopal Conferences of Africa and Madagascar (SECAM) has expressed solidarity with Lusaka Archbishop Alick Banda and the Zambia Conference of Catholic Bishops (ZCCB), calling for justice, fairness and due process as the legal proceedings involving the Archbishop continue.

In a solidarity message dated October 1, 2026, SECAM President and Archbishop of Kinshasa, Fridolin Cardinal Ambongo, said the continental Catholic body had followed with concern the proceedings involving Banda following his appearance before the Drug Enforcement Commission (DEC) on September 28.

SECAM said it had taken note of the ongoing investigations and stressed the importance of respecting human dignity and the rights of all those involved.

The bishops also referred to a clarification provided by the ZCCB concerning the vehicle at the centre of the case.

According to SECAM, the ZCCB has clarified that Archbishop Banda is not accused of involvement in the alleged disposal of the vehicle and that the vehicle was surrendered to the State in December 2023.

The clarification concerns a blue Toyota Hilux, registration number ALF 7734, which authorities allege Banda possessed and which is suspected to have been unlawfully obtained from the Zambia Revenue Authority (ZRA).

Banda has pleaded not guilty to the charge and was granted K80,000 bail by the Lusaka Magistrates' Court. He was subsequently released after meeting the bail conditions.

SECAM did not make a determination on the allegations against Banda.

Instead, Cardinal Ambongo said the Catholic bishops of Africa trusted that competent institutions would discharge their responsibilities in accordance with the law, while respecting the rights and dignity of everyone involved.

“We take note with appreciation of the clarification provided by the Zambia Conference of Catholic Bishops that Archbishop Banda is not accused of involvement in the alleged disposal of the vehicle and that the vehicle in question was surrendered to the State in December 2023,” the statement said.

The continental bishops also expressed continued prayers and fraternal support for Banda and the ZCCB, while encouraging Catholics in Zambia to remain calm, united and prayerful as the legal process unfolds.

The SECAM statement comes three days after the ZCCB issued its own message of solidarity, calling for fairness, dignity and due process as Banda appeared before the DEC.

Banda's case is now before the courts. His next court appearance is scheduled for October 14, with trial set to begin on November 3.

SECAM concluded its message by entrusting Banda, the ZCCB and the Catholic Church in Zambia to the intercession of the Blessed Virgin Mary, praying for strength, peace, courage and hope during what it described as a time of trial.