African Bishops Express Concern Over the Arrest of Archbishop Banda

The Symposium of Episcopal Conferences of Africa and Madagascar (SECAM) has broken its silence regarding the escalating tensions in Zambia, issuing a strongly worded statement expressing profound concern and fraternal solidarity following the arrest of Lusaka Archbishop Alick Banda. Archbishop Banda was taken into custody by the Drug Enforcement Commission (DEC) and subsequently appeared before the Lusaka Magistrate Court, where he pleaded not guilty to charges involving the possession of a Toyota Hilux allegedly tied to irregularities at the Zambia Revenue Authority. The case has sent shockwaves through the Christian community nationwide, prompting spontaneous prayer gatherings at cathedrals across the capital. SECAM’s leadership emphasized that while judicial processes must be allowed to unfold, state apparatuses must never be weaponized or utilized to intimidate religious and civic leaders who maintain critical voices on national governance. The continental episcopal body called upon Zambian authorities to strictly adhere to the principles of natural justice, transparency, and institutional fairness. This latest ecclesiastical intervention highlights a growing rift between church authorities and the state, coming on the heels of controversial post-election crackdowns that have targeted various opposition figures and outspoken critics of the administration following the disputed August general elections. Archbishop Banda has long been recognized as a prominent moral figure who has consistently challenged successive administrations on issues concerning transparency, economic equity, and the narrowing democratic space. Supporters and civil society organizations argue that his legal troubles are directly linked to his outspoken stance against government overreach and alleged human rights violations. Conversely, state prosecutors maintain that the charges stem strictly from a routine anti-money laundering and asset recovery investigation involving motor vehicles imp