Zambia’s Archbishop Banda Summoned by DEC as Church-State Tensions Rise
A significant controversy has erupted in Zambia following the Drug Enforcement Commission's summons of Archbishop Dr. Alick Banda, sparking national debate over protocol and the politicization of legal processes. While Catholic Priest Fr. Ignazio Muyunda advocates for diplomatic channels and respectful conduct when addressing Church leaders, political activist Chilufya Tayali accuses the Archbishop of leveraging the Church's authority for personal political gain related to a government vehicle investigation. The dispute highlights tensions between state legal procedures and religious institutional dignity, prompting solidarity from the Catholic faithful and warnings against illegal public demonstrations.
Zambia’s Drug Enforcement Commission (DEC) has renewed its summons of Lusaka Archbishop Alick Banda, directing him to appear for questioning on Monday, September 28, 2026, over allegations concerning a government-owned vehicle. The summons follows a warn-and-caution statement recorded on January 5, with investigators alleging that Banda possessed a blue Toyota Hilux, registration ALF 7734, between April 22, 2021 and December 27, 2023, which they reasonably suspect was unlawfully obtained from the Zambia Revenue Authority (ZRA).
The vehicle is part of a wider investigation involving approximately 22 ZRA vehicles allegedly improperly disposed of, with other individuals already convicted in connection with the broader case. The renewed summons has triggered reactions from Catholic leaders, activists and political figures, with Fr. Ignazio Muyunda arguing that authorities should follow what he describes as appropriate protocol when dealing with a Catholic bishop.
Muyunda said the Church does not seek immunity from investigation but argued that official communication should be handled discreetly and through appropriate diplomatic and ecclesiastical channels, rather than through publicly circulated summonses.
The Archdiocese of Lusaka has also expressed concern about Banda’s safety and well-being and called clergy, religious and faithful to a solidarity Mass at the Cathedral of the Child Jesus at 8:00 a.m., ahead of the Archbishop’s scheduled appearance at the DEC at 10:00 a.m.
The DEC and Zambia Police Service have warned the public against unlawful assemblies, processions or other conduct that could breach the peace, stating that only Banda’s legal representatives and other persons directly connected to the matter will be permitted to accompany him.
Political activist Chilufya Tayalihas argued that the investigation should not be transformed into a confrontation between the State and the Catholic Church, while opposition figures have questioned whether Banda is being targeted because of his outspoken public positions; the government has rejected claims of political persecution.
The authorities maintain that the matter concerns alleged possession of unlawfully obtained property under Section 319 of the Penal Code, while the Archbishop’s supporters continue to frame the dispute around due process, Church-state relations and the treatment of a prominent religious leader.