OPEN LETTER TO THE PRESIDENT
To: His Excellency Mr. Hakainde Hichilema
President of the Republic of Zambia
State House
Lusaka, Zambia
From: Pastor Dingiswayo Banda
Zambian Pastor
Currently Based in Lilongwe, Malawi
Date: 21 August 2026
SUBJECT: CALL FOR DIALOGUE AND NATIONAL RECONCILIATION
Your Excellency Mr. President,
I greet you with the utmost respect in the Name of our Lord Jesus Christ.
I am a Zambian Pastor currently based in Lilongwe, Malawi. However, my heart remains deeply rooted in our beloved motherland, Zambia.
Having followed with great concern the recent political developments in our nation, I am deeply troubled by the growing atmosphere of division, mistrust, arrests, and loss of life. The fabric of our national unity appears to be under considerable strain. As a citizen and servant of God, I therefore feel compelled to add my voice to the call for unity, peace, and reconciliation.
Mr. President, history has shown that great leaders rise to the occasion during moments of national tension—not through force, but through wisdom, courage, humility, and the ability to bring people together. In that spirit, I humbly and respectfully appeal to you, as the Head of State, to take the lead in convening a broad-based national dialogue
I respectfully propose that your office initiate structured and inclusive engagements with all Church Mother Bodies and Civil Society Organisations. Their moral authority, experience, and capacity to provide trusted platforms could help facilitate honest and constructive conversations aimed at reconciliation, national unity, and lasting peace in Zambia.
From your position, Mr. President, you are uniquely placed to extend a hand of fellowship and dialogue to key opposition leaders, including Mr. Brian Mundubile and Mr. Makebi Zulu, as well as other opposition leaders. If these matters remain unaddressed, I fear that political divisions may deepen and ultimately undermine the stability, unity, and progress that we have all worked so hard to build.
My prayer and earnest appeal, Mr. President, is that, in the interest of national cohesion, the spirit of confrontation, petitioning, and political contestation may give way to meaningful dialogue and reconciliation. I further appeal for your intervention regarding concerns surrounding the treatment of political opponents, and for the principles of due process, justice, and fairness to be upheld in all cases involving those currently detained or facing prosecution.
Zambia is a Christian nation, and our strength has always been found in our unity, our shared values, and our commitment to one another as one people under God. It is my firm belief and prayer that may God bless Zambia, preserve our peace, and establish our nation in justice, unity, and prosperity.
I submit this appeal with humility, deep love for our country, and the utmost respect for your office and the responsibilities entrusted to you by the people of Zambia.
May the Lord grant you wisdom, courage, and discernment as you lead our nation during these challenging times.
With sincere regards and prayers,
Pastor Dingiswayo Banda
Zambian Pastor
Lilongwe, Malawi
As a Malawian posing as a Zambian, it is imperative to respect the rule of law. Those who have been arrested have engaged in criminal activities and must confront the full force of the law. We are not a banana republic where impunity is permitted. The president has educated individuals in positions of authority. He consistently provides comprehensive information regarding the events occurring throughout the nation. Please focus on your religious duties and allow governance to be managed by experts.