African Bishops, through the Symposium of Episcopal Conferences of Africa and Madagascar (SECAM), have voiced strong support for the Catholic Archbishop of Lusaka in Zambia, Alick Banda, following his recent release after being arrested in connection with a Toyota Hilux allegedly tied to former president Edgar Lungu, amid a post-election crackdown on dissenting voices.
In a statement signed by SECAM President and Archbishop of Kinshasa, Fridolin Cardinal Ambongo Besungu, the episcopal body voiced support for the Zambian prelate, whose arrest has been characterized by commentators as part of a post-election crackdown on critics.
In part, the statement read, “We wish to express our fraternal solidarity and prayerful closeness to the Zambia Conference of Catholic Bishops (ZCCB), and in a particular way to His Grace Dr. Alick Banda, Archbishop of Lusaka, at this challenging moment in the life of the Church in Zambia.”
The solidarity message titled “SECAM Message of Solidarity to the Zambia Conference of Catholic Bishops amid Challenging Moment for the Church in Zambia and Archbishop Alick Banda,” described “with great concern the recent proceedings involving Archbishop Banda, following his appearance before the Drug Enforcement Commission of Zambia on 28 September 2026 in connection with ongoing investigations.”
SECAM President and Archbishop of Kinshasa, Fridolin Cardinal Ambongo Besungu. Credit: SECAM.
The Fathers of the Church in Africa and Madagascar clarified that Archbishop Banda was not involved in the illegal possession of a vehicle, emphasizing that the vehicle had been donated to the Church.
“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,” SECAM stated.
The Bishops prayed for Archbishop Banda, asking the Lord to grant him “strength and peace, guide all those entrusted with the proceedings, and sustain the Church in Zambia in her mission of proclaiming the Gospel and serving the people with truth, justice, peace and compassion.”
In light of October Devotion, dedicated to praying the Holy Rosary for the intercession of the Blessed Virgin Mary, SECAM entrusted “Archbishop Banda, the Zambia Conference of Catholic Bishops and the entire Church in Zambia to the maternal intercession of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Mother of God and Mother of the Church.
“May she obtain for them strength, peace, courage and hope during this time of trial, and may she accompany the Church in Zambia with her maternal care and protection.”
“We assure Archbishop Banda and the Zambia Conference of Catholic Bishops of our continued prayers and fraternal support. We encourage the Catholic faithful in Zambia to remain calm, united and prayerful, placing their trust in God as the judicial process unfolds.”
Meanwhile, the Bishops called for fairness and transparency in the judicial process, emphasizing the importance of upholding the rule of law in the interest of the common good.
“As the judicial process continues, the Catholic Bishops of Africa reaffirm the fundamental importance of justice, fairness, human dignity and due process. We trust that the competent institutions will discharge their responsibilities in accordance with the law, with respect for the rights and dignity of all those concerned, and in a manner that contributes to truth, justice and the common good,” they maintained.
