Growing post-poll tension alarms Bishop Lungu
By George Zulu
CATHOLIC Diocese of Chipata Bishop George Lungu has expressed concern over the growing tension in the country after the August 13 general elections.
In a Pastoral letter seen by The Mast yesterday, Bishop Lungu said the concerns were about justice, constitutional rights and the political tension building up in the country after the election and arrest of opposition leaders.
He said he was compelled to seek a private meeting with President Hakainde Hichilema to raise concerns, while allowing the government to explain its position.
“Recent events in our beloved country, Zambia, have caused many citizens to experience deep concern, anxiety and uncertainty about the direction in which our nation is moving. As Christians, and particularly as members of the Catholic Church, we cannot remain indifferent when fundamental values upon which a peaceful and democratic society depends appear to be under serious strain. These values include respect for human dignity, the rule of law, access to justice, freedom of expression, responsible political participation, accountability, and respect for the legitimate rights of every citizen, including those who belong to the political opposition,” he said.
He said the initiative was not intended to embarrass Hichilema, but to contribute to dialogue, peace, justice and national reconciliation.
Bishop Lungu said the closure of court premises on the final day to file the petition was not only disturbing but unconstitutional.
“One event that has particularly troubled many Zambians was the closure of court premises on 24 August 2026, which coincided with the final day of the constitutional period for challenging the presidential election results,” he said.
He said the timing of the closure of the Court raised serious questions among citizens about access to justice and the protection of constitutional rights.
“…the coincidence of the closure with the final day for filing an election challenge has understandably raised profound questions in the minds of many citizens concerning access to justice and the protection of constitutional rights,” he said.
Bishop Lungu said the Catholic Church could not remain silent when human dignity, justice, peace and the rule of law were at stake.
“The Church must therefore be able to say, respectfully but firmly, no government is above the Constitution. No political party is above the common good. No citizen should be denied justice because of his or her political affiliation. No opposition party should place itself above the law. No political disagreement should become an excuse for hatred, intimidation or violence,” he said.
He said the Church cannot preach reconciliation while refusing to address the wounds that make reconciliation necessary.
“We cannot preach justice if we are afraid to speak about injustice. We cannot preach peace if we remain silent when the conditions necessary for peace are being weakened. And we cannot speak convincingly about human dignity if we do not defend the dignity and rights of every person, regardless of political affiliation,” he said.
