Political office is temporary, wounds on citizens endure for generations—Bishop Banda
ARCHBISHOP Alick Banda has urged Zambians to reject violence and ensure that the August 13 General Election is remembered for peace and the triumph of democratic values.
In a pastoral letter issued yesterday, Archbishop Banda expressed concern over what he described as an escalation in politically motivated violence ahead of the polls, warning that such acts threaten Zambia’s democracy and national unity.
He said reports from across the country indicate a disturbing pattern of campaign convoys being attacked, supporters assaulted, property destroyed and innocent lives lost.
Archbishop Banda further noted that violent confrontations at political rallies, intimidation of citizens and alleged targeted attacks on opposition candidates have stained the country’s democratic landscape.
“Such acts are not merely assaults on individuals but direct attacks on democracy, the Constitution and the values upon which Zambia was founded,” he said.
He added that reports of opposition supporters being harassed while exercising their constitutional right to campaign were particularly troubling, stressing that democracy thrives on ideas, persuasion and debate—not violence.
The Archbishop warned that those who orchestrate or encourage political violence would ultimately be judged by history.
“Political office is temporary, but the wounds inflicted on citizens and the divisions sown in communities can endure for generations. No ambition is worth the blood of a fellow Zambian,” he said.
Archbishop Banda called on political leaders to demonstrate genuine leadership by consistently condemning violence, including when it is committed by their own supporters.
He also urged the Zambia Police Service to enforce the law impartially and ensure that perpetrators are brought to justice regardless of political affiliation, warning that selective enforcement only deepens mistrust and weakens confidence in democratic institutions.
Quoting Matthew 5:9, “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called children of God,” Archbishop Banda reminded Christians that violence cannot deliver justice, nor can hatred build lasting peace.
He encouraged citizens to remember that political opponents are not enemies but fellow Zambians who share a common destiny.
The Archbishop urged all stakeholders to reject violence and work towards ensuring that the 2026 General Election is remembered for peace, dignity and the triumph of democratic values
He said the Church would continue praying for the nation, standing with victims of injustice and proclaiming that peace, truth, justice and respect for human dignity remain moral imperatives.
Archbishop Banda concluded by praying that God would bless Zambia, protect its people and grant the country free, fair and credible elections.
-TV Yatu | Noel Iyombwa | August 7, 2026.
The same you woumded us in PF time. We dont forget. Hence voting to reject you again, and to accept PF again
Campaigning for PF using vague language. What is wrong with ba Banda?
Alick Banda is a tainted and bitter bishop.You must always take his letters with a pinch of salt.The man preaches vengeance and retribution rather than love and forgiveness .He takes things too personal for a bishop
“[L]et the one who has understanding calculate the number of the beast, for it is the number of a man, and his number is 666.
Yes, the wounds inflicted by PF on the nation will take generations to heal. PF divided Zambia along tribal and regional lines and we have yet to heal from this divide and rule governance style of Mr. Lungu and his PF.
During the reign of Mr. Lungu and PF, insulting became a prized currency which opened doors to the corridors of power. Social misfits like “Why Me” were idolised and elevated to freedom fighters by the PF top brass all because he could hurl unprintable insults at elders and political opponents of PF. Other social misfits were so inhuman as to urinate in another man’s mouth. And they even got elected to parliament. Just imagine!
Violence was proudly displayed like a badge of honour. Anyone who had the guts to wear a red garment made the PF see red and invited a beating from the ever vigilant PF cadres.
Corruption was institutionalised and pervasive. The clergy were corrupted. Not even the Catholic Church was spared. PF corruption was so thorough it had a priest advocating for rigging of the 2021 elections to subvert the people’s will.
Yes, Archbishop Banda is right. The moral, economic, political and social wounds inflicted by the PF will take generations to heal. Five years is not enough to heal the deep wounds.
Gifts can be used to manipulate even the unsuspecting men of the. cloth. Especially when auch get gifts in secret. When exposed they become compromised and fall from grace to be truthful in there mission to apeak for all.
This is politics.