SECAM: Expresses Solidarity with Zambia Conference, Stresses Fairness and Justice
Sr. Jecinter Antoinette Okoth, FSSA
The Symposium of Episcopal Conferences of Africa and Madagascar (SECAM) has expressed its fraternal solidarity with the Zambia Conference of Catholic Bishops (ZCCB) and the Archbishop of Lusaka, Alick Banda, stressing the importance of justice, fairness, human dignity, and due process as the Archbishop’s case proceeds through the courts.
In a message dated October 1, 2026, and addressed to ZCCB President Archbishop Ignatius Chama of Kasama, SECAM President Fridolin Cardinal Ambongo Besungu assured the Zambian bishops of the continent’s “prayerful closeness” and, in a particular way to Archbishop Banda, “at this challenging moment in the life of the Church in Zambia.”
“As the judicial process continues, the Catholic Bishops of Africa reaffirm the fundamental importance of justice, fairness, human dignity and due process,” Cardinal Ambongo, the Archbishop of Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of Congo, said, adding that SECAM trusts 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.”
Cardinal Ambong, a member of the Order of Friars Minor Capuchin (OFM Cap) noted “with appreciation” the clarification by the ZCCB that the Archbishop of Lusaka, Zambia, 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.”
Cardinal Ambongo assured Archbishop Banda and the ZCCB of SECAM’s “continued prayers and fraternal support,” and encouraged the Catholic faithful in Zambia “to remain calm, united and prayerful, placing their trust in God as the judicial process unfolds.”
“May the Lord grant Archbishop Banda 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,” the SECAM President prayed.
SECAM’s message comes a day after the ZCCB issued a pastoral statement following an extraordinary plenary meeting, in which the bishops appealed for respect for human dignity, the rule of law, and the right of every person to due process and access to justice.
