Zambian police have arrested Catholic archbishop Alick Banda, accusing him of illegally possessing a Toyota Hilux vehicle. The vehicle was allegedly given to him by former President Edgar Lungu, a fierce rival of current President Hakainde Hichilema. The arrest is the latest in a series of crackdowns on critics of President Hichilema. Archbishop Banda had openly supported the main opposition candidate in August's election, which Hichilema won to secure a second term.
The arrest was carried out by the Drug Enforcement Commission (DEC), which is also responsible for tackling money laundering and financial crimes. According to the DEC, the vehicle was "suspected to have been illegally authorized by the Zambian Revenue Authority". Archbishop Banda has denied the allegations and was released on bail pending a court appearance scheduled for November. The archbishop's arrest sparked a gathering of Catholics at the largest cathedral in Lusaka to pray.
Several opposition figures have been arrested since the August 13 election, including main opposition candidate Brian Mundubile. Eleven people were arrested at Mundubile's home during a security forces raid, in which a lawmaker and former minister, Mutotwe Kafwaya, was killed. Mundubile, who lost to Hichilema by a wide margin, later surrendered and was charged with high treason along with his running mate Makebi Zulu.
The series of arrests and allegations of irregularities, violence, and biased control have raised concerns about a decline in democracy in Zambia. On September 11, authorities canceled the passports of six opposition members who were abroad, which Amnesty International described as "using administrative powers to silence critics". President Hichilema won the election with 60.5% of the vote, while Mundubile secured 37.9%.
The Zambian government has faced criticism for its handling of the opposition and allegations of shrinking democratic space. Archbishop Banda's arrest has been seen as part of a broader crackdown on dissent. The Catholic Church has been a vocal critic of the government's actions, with Archbishop Banda previously speaking out against corruption and governance issues.
The incident has sparked concerns about the relationship between the government and the Catholic Church in Zambia. The Church has historically played a significant role in promoting democracy and human rights in the country. President Hichilema has faced criticism for his handling of the economy and governance issues, with some accusing him of becoming increasingly authoritarian.
Archbishop Banda's case is set to go to trial in November, where he will face charges related to the alleged illegal possession of the vehicle. The outcome of the trial is likely to be closely watched by human rights groups and the international community, who have expressed concerns about the situation in Zambia.
Key points
- The arrest of Archbishop Alick Banda is the latest in a series of crackdowns on critics of President Hakainde Hichilema.
- The Zambian government has faced criticism for its handling of the opposition and allegations of shrinking democratic space.
- The incident has sparked concerns about the relationship between the government and the Catholic Church in Zambia.
