State House Rejects Catholic Bishops’ Portrayal Of Zambia’s Political Climate

STATE HOUSE RESPONDS TO CATHOLIC BISHOPS

State House has responded to the Zambia Conference of Catholic Bishops after the Church raised concerns over political polarisation, democratic space, arrests, electoral credibility and the rule of law.

In a statement issued Thursday, Chief Communications Specialist Clayson Hamasaka said some of the bishops’ concerns closely resemble opposition narratives and risk creating an impression of a national crisis without sufficient evidence.

State House said electoral grievances should be taken through lawful institutions and argued that concerns about the election cannot, without evidence of material failures, undermine the decision made by voters.

On arrests, the Government said lawful accountability should not automatically be described as political persecution and stressed that an arrest does not amount to guilt.

State House also addressed the bishops’ concerns in relation to Archbishop Alick Banda’s recent court case, saying his dignity, presumption of innocence and right to a fair hearing must be protected while investigators and the courts are allowed to perform their duties independently.

Despite the differences, State House said it welcomed the bishops’ call for dialogue, reconciliation and respect for human dignity.

The response puts the Church and Government on different sides of a growing debate over how Zambia’s post-election political environment should be understood and addressed.