By Paschal Norbert

LUSAKA, NOVEMBER 13, 2025 ( CISA) – The Zambia Conference of Catholic Bishops (ZCCB) has condemned the recent violent incident in Chingola that forced President Hakainde Hichilema to cut short his address, warning that the resurgence of cadreism and political violence threatens the country’s peace, democracy, and moral integrity.

In a strongly worded statement signed by Fr Francis Mukosa, the ZCCB Secretary General, the bishops expressed “deep concern over the recent events that have disturbed the peace and moral fabric of our beloved nation,” calling on all citizens and political leaders to choose peace, dialogue, and restraint over retaliation and provocation.

“We have noted with sadness the circulating video showing Republican President Hakainde Hichilema being forced to abandon his address at Chiwempala Market in Chingola, after some alleged angry Senseli small-scale miners began throwing stones at the stage where the President was speaking,” the bishops said.

The ZCCB also reacted to a separate video showing United Party for National Development (UPND) Monze District Chairperson, Mr. Michelo Kasauta, declaring the return of cadreism and threatening retaliatory action. The bishops described this declaration as “alarming and a serious threat to the values of peace, mutual respect, and dialogue that have long been the hallmark of our nation.”

“Equally disturbing is another video in which UPND Monze District Chairperson, Mr. Michelo Kasauta, declares the return of cadreism, warning that the ruling party will not remain passive in the face of actions believed to threaten national peace and the safety of the President,” the statement read.

The bishops strongly condemned all acts of violence, provocation, and lawlessness, stressing that “no grievance, political or otherwise, should ever justify aggression or hostility.” They urged all citizens to embrace dialogue and peaceful engagement as the most effective means of resolving conflict and building understanding.

“What transpired in Chingola reflects a lack of respect for the Office of the President, which must be condemned in the strongest terms,” the bishops said. “Regardless of who occupies it, the Office of the President deserves respect from all Zambian citizens and beyond.”

The ZCCB commended the Zambia Police Service for its swift and professional response, noting that no lives were lost and suspects were apprehended. However, the bishops warned that the resurgence of cadreism and retaliatory behaviour must not be tolerated.

“The resurgence of violence, cadreism, and retaliatory behaviour is not the direction the Zambian people should take,” they said, adding “This calls for justice that is impartial and not selective. We, therefore, urge law enforcement agencies to also take a keen interest in the case involving the public declaration of the return of cadreism.”

As the nation approaches the 2026 General Elections, the bishops called on all political actors, leaders, and citizens to act with maturity, tolerance, and restraint, warning against turning the election season into a period of fear or hatred.

“Elections should never become a season of fear, violence, or hatred, but rather an opportunity to strengthen our democracy and reaffirm our unity as one people in diversity,” the bishops emphasized.

They described the Chingola incident as a wake-up call that more needs to be done to prevent violence ahead of the elections. The bishops appealed for a renewed national commitment to peace, dialogue, and the rule of law.

“The resort to violence is counterproductive, endangers lives, destabilizes public order, and undermines the very democratic space it seeks to influence,” the statement read.

They appealed “to all political actors, supporters, and the general public to exercise maximum restraint in the wake of this incident. The temptation for revenge or retaliation must be resisted.”

 “Let us value and protect the peace we have continued to enjoy, remembering that our nation does not deserve to be taken back to those dark days of fear and political violence,” the prelates stated.