13/07/2026
THE CHURCH IN ZAMBIA CALLS FOR PEACEFUL, ISSUE-BASED CAMPAIGNS AHEAD OF THE 2026 GENERAL ELECTIONS.
The Evangelical Fellowship of Zambia (EFZ), the Council of Churches in Zambia (CCZ), and the Zambia Conference of Catholic Bishops (ZCCB) have expressed deep concern over the rise in hate speech, misinformation, political intolerance, and violence as Zambia prepares for the 13th August 2026 General Elections.
The concerns were raised during the launch of the Church-Led Peacebuilding Initiative at the Cathedral of the Holy Cross in Lusaka on Monday. The initiative will run from July to October 2026.
Speaking on behalf of the Church Mother Bodies, CCZ President and Reformed Church in Zambia Synod Moderator, Rev. Ackson Banda, said Zambia's long-standing legacy of peace was under threat due to increasing political violence and division.
"We are deeply concerned by increasing political intolerance, inflammatory rhetoric, misinformation, hate speech, acts of violence, intimidation, and growing divisions within our communities," Rev. Banda said.
The Joint Pastoral Communiqué, themed "Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called children of God" (Matthew 5:9), called on all political players and citizens to reject violence and uphold peace, justice, and national unity.
Guest of Honour Secretary to the Cabinet Patrick Kangwa urged Zambians to reject misinformation, tribalism, and divisive rhetoric, saying political competition should strengthen democracy rather than fuel hatred.
Electoral Commission of Zambia Chairperson Mwangala Zaloumis commended the Church for leading the peacebuilding initiative, noting that peaceful elections require the commitment of all stakeholders.
Reading the communiqué, Fr. Daniel Mutale SJ emphasized that no political ambition justified the loss of human life.
"As Church Mother Bodies, we reiterate that the loss of one life is one too many. No political office, campaign or election is worth the shedding of human blood."
