Bishop Ellison Bwalya Urges President to Act, Not Just Condemn Political Violence as Elections Near

Lighthouse Overseer Bishop Ellison Bwalya has appealed to President Hakainde Hichilema to take decisive action to stop the escalating political violence ahead of the August 13, 2026 general elections.

Speaking in a video address, Bishop Bwalya said Zambia has come a long way in upholding democracy and peace, and it was the President’s responsibility as Head of State to make a firm pronouncement against the bloodshed. He cited recent incidents, including the killing of a woman in Mongu and the violence seen in other parts of the country, and called for the same level of response from the President.

Bishop Bwalya warned that continued violence risks creating voter apathy, with women and youths becoming afraid to cast their ballots. He stressed that as a church, they reject violence and the shedding of innocent blood, saying it does not sit well with God and will negatively affect the nation. The clergyman also urged the opposition to adhere to electoral rules and called on police officers to uphold their duty to protect citizens, noting with concern images of officers being stoned during the unrest.

He further noted that from the time the violent activities started, law enforcers have remained tight lipped with no clear public communication on arrests or investigations. Bishop Bwalya said Zambia is known as a beacon of peace in the region and continent, and that all stakeholders must rise to condemn violence to safeguard the integrity of the polls and the country’s democratic reputation.