Hichilema’s democratic record on spotlight as Archbishop Chama warns of hair-raising fear, violence ahead of Zambia’s elections

Zambia’s Catholic Church which over the years has had a say in the country’s politics has issued a stark warning ahead of the polls, saying the country stands at a crossroads between stability and chaos.

Zambia Conference of Catholic Bishops President Archbishop Ignatius Chama recently told congregants that the current political climate is breeding fear across the country — even among the man of cloth.

“Looking at what is happening so far, most of us are living with fear that we are slowly inviting trouble,” he said during a homily. “The freedoms and liberties being taken from citizens are laying the groundwork for violence and for losing what we have built as a nation.”

Archbishop Chama called on voters to choose leaders who will protect the rights of all Zambians regardless of tribe, party, or social standing.

He said the church must stay true to its prophetic role by giving moral direction and hope, not by aligning with political interests.

He drew a parallel to the biblical Kingdom of Judah, where people lived in fear of impending danger. He referenced the alleged killing of 32-year-old Nelson Chikumbi from John Laing, who was reportedly murdered after playing a campaign song for opposition leader Brian Mundubile.

Despite the grim picture, the Archbishop said he believes God will protect Zambia if citizens remain faithful.

Because the Catholic Church is one of Zambia’s most respected moral institutions, Chama’s words carry heavy political weight.

His warning puts pressure on the ruling party to be seen as protecting freedoms. Church statements often shape voter conscience, especially in rural and peri-urban areas where the Church runs schools, hospitals and voter education.

Framing the election as a choice between “prosperity or turmoil” could push undecided and faith-based voters to prioritize governance and human rights over party loyalty.

De-escalation call: By likening Zambia to “Judah trembling in fear,” he’s signaling that violence is already close. This may force the Electoral Commission, police, and political parties to publicly commit to peaceful campaigns.

In Zambia, bishops have historically acted as mediators during election tension. Chama’s tone suggests the Church is preparing to play that watchdog role again.

President Hichilema

The President Hakainde Hichilema administration has been accused of suppressing democracy in the country despite having came to power using the trump card that he would promote democracy.

Archbishop Chama didn’t name the President directly, but his concerns echo criticisms that have been in public debate: Chama cited “freedoms being taken away,” reflecting opposition and civil society claims that space to organize and speak out has shrunk.

Cyber Crimes Law: Zambia passed a new cyber crimes law in 2025 that civil groups say is vaguely worded and could chill online speech.

Opposition campaigning: Opposition leader Brian Mundubile told Reuters that “any dissenting voice is regarded as an enemy of the state” and that opposition meetings have been disrupted by police. President Hichilema denies these charges.

Constitutional changes: Critics flagged December 2025 constitutional changes to expand parliament as a move that could favor the ruling party.

The administration maintains it is upholding law and order, but the Church’s intervention suggests concern that this is tipping into repression.

Meanwhile, President Hichilema’s main challenger Mundubile has seemingly capitalized on the matter.

He has positioned himself as the face of opposition unity after a fractured field rallied behind him, he is speaking out on democratic space, telling international media about police disruptions.

The alleged killing of a supporter playing his campaign song has become a rallying point cited even by the Church.

However, Mundubile is a first-time presidential contender and lacks the national machinery Hichilema built in 2021.

The opposition is still fighting perceptions of disunity. Recent defections like Mawere and Chishimba Kambwili leaving Citizen First for the Tonse Alliance show realignment is ongoing.

To fully capitalize, the opposition needs to move beyond exposing “mistakes” and present a clear alternative on the economy, mining policy, and corruption ahead of the vote.

The Church’s warning gives the opposition ammunition, but whether Mundubile can convert that into votes will depend on organization, message discipline, and convincing voters he can deliver stability without repeating past patterns.

Chama’s homily is less a partisan attack and more a moral red line. In Zambia where the Church influences both voters and leaders, his words raise the stakes: this election will be judged not just on who wins, but on whether basic freedoms survive it.