Anti-corruption police in Lusaka arrested Catholic Archbishop Alick Banda on Monday, marking the latest escalation in a series of legal actions against prominent critics of President Hakainde Hichilema’s administration. Archbishop Banda, who has led the Archdiocese of Lusaka since 2018, faced police custody over a Toyota Hilux vehicle reportedly provided to him by late former president Edgar Lungu, a bitter rival of the current head of state.
Drug Enforcement Commission Charges
The Drug Enforcement Commission, which investigates financial crimes and money laundering, stated that the vehicle in question was reasonably suspected of being unlawfully obtained from the Zambia Revenue Authority. Following his arrest, Archbishop Banda denied all charges leveled against him.
Bail Release and Cathedral Gatherings
Authorities released him on bail ahead of a scheduled trial set for November. News of the arrest drew crowds of Catholic faithful to Lusaka’s largest cathedral to gather for prayers.
Post-Election Crackdown on Opposition
The archbishop’s arrest coincides with a wider wave of detentions targeting political opposition figures following the August 13 general election, which secured President Hichilema a second term. Archbishop Banda had been an outspoken supporter of the main opposition challenger during the campaign.
Several opposition figures have faced legal jeopardy since the election concluded, including primary challenger Brian Mundubile. Security forces raided Mundubile’s home the day after the vote, resulting in a raid where a former cabinet minister was shot dead. Mundubile placed a distant second to Hichilema and spent two weeks taking refuge with an international organization before surrendering to authorities.
Treason Charges and Mass Arrests
Mundubile and his running mate, Makebi Zulu, currently face treason charges but have not yet stood trial. In total, security forces rounded up 11 individuals during the post-election raid on Mundubile’s property.
International Alarm Over Democratic Erosion
The mounting arrests, coupled with widespread allegations of electoral irregularities, campaign violence, and an uneven playing field, have intensified concerns regarding the state of democracy in Zambia.
Tensions further heightened when authorities canceled the passports of six government critics on September 11 while they were traveling outside the country. Human rights organizations condemned the administrative maneuver, with Amnesty International stating that the government was “using administrative powers to silence critics”.
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