Catholic Church Challenges President Hichilema on Lungu’s Alleged Crimes
The Catholic Church has called on President Hakainde Hichilema to order the arrest of former President Edgar Lungu if the government believes he has committed crimes, in response to increasing allegations of political harassment against Lungu. The Church, through the Zambia Conference of Catholic Bishops (ZCCB), has also condemned claims that it has been “laundering” Lungu by hosting him at its events, urging the government to refrain from intimidating the former head of state.
Speaking on behalf of the Catholic Church, ZCCB Secretary General Father Francis Mukosa strongly refuted accusations that the Church is shielding Lungu. “The Church has always been a place of refuge and service to all Zambians, regardless of political affiliation. Hosting former President Lungu is not a crime. If the government believes he has committed offenses, it should follow the legal process rather than resorting to intimidation and harassment,” Father Mukosa stated.
The UPND government has faced increasing pressure over its treatment of Lungu, with some opposition parties and civil society groups accusing the ruling party of engaging in a campaign of political persecution. Lungu, who led Zambia from 2015 to 2021, has been largely quiet since losing to President Hichilema, but recent appearances at Catholic Church events have sparked accusations from UPND supporters that the Church is providing him a platform to rebuild his political influence.
Father Mukosa dismissed these claims as baseless and reiterated the Church’s stance on being a neutral institution in political matters. “We do not endorse or support any individual for political gain. The Church is a place of unity, and we will not tolerate attempts to politicize our role. We urge the government to respect the Church’s position and stop these unwarranted attacks.”
Catholic Church Challenges President Hichilema on Lungu’s Alleged Crimes
johnmwale
The church must listen to all parties. If ECL is a darling to the church,so must be everyone including HH.
The law is blind to everyone and no one is special before the law. ECL and his family are not the only one face the law. They are many citizens, convicted and not convicted facing the law without the Church speaking for them. Justice must be interpreted or pleaded for everyone.