State House has challenged concerns raised by the Zambia Conference of Catholic Bishops over fear, ethnic manipulation and the shrinking democratic space, saying such claims should be supported by evidence.

In a statement issued in Lusaka, State House Chief Communications Specialist CLAYSON HAMASAKA said Government respects the Church’s role in national life but disagrees with suggestions that the country is facing a national crisis.

Mr. HAMASAKA said concerns about fear and anxiety should not be presented as representing the experience of the entire country without evidence.

He also defended the electoral process, saying concerns over elections should identify specific failures and demonstrate how they affected the outcome before questioning the decision made by voters.

On arrests involving opposition figures, State House said lawful accountability should be distinguished from political persecution.

Mr. HAMASAKA said an arrest does not amount to proof of guilt or persecution, adding that allegations of unlawful detention should be examined on an individual basis.

He also rejected suggestions of widespread insecurity or military control, following concerns raised by the Bishops regarding military personnel, violence and insecurity.

The Catholic Bishops had expressed concern over political polarisation, the manipulation of ethnic identities and tribal sentiments, freedom of expression, electoral credibility and reports of arrests and political violence.

State House welcomed the Bishops’ call for dialogue, civic education, accountability and reconciliation, but said such efforts should be based on verified facts and respect institutional independence.

Government also raised concern about the timing of the pastoral statement in relation to ongoing court proceedings involving a senior member of the clergy.

Mr. HAMASAKA said the timing of the statement alone does not establish an intention to influence the proceedings, but cautioned that messages portraying widespread fear and institutional failure could affect public sentiment around a matter requiring independent determination.

He stressed that the accused person’s dignity, presumption of innocence and right to a fair hearing must be protected, while investigators, prosecutors and the courts should perform their duties without interference.

State House has called for measured public communication, saying national dialogue should promote peace, cooperation and respect for lawful processes.

LEAVE A REPLY Cancel reply

Hot this week

MUKANDILA Faces Forgery and False Document Charges October 1, 2026 0 Tonse Pamodzi Secretary General CELESTINE MUKANDILA has pleaded not... Feature Economy

HELSB Seeks Private Investment in Student Loans October 1, 2026 0 The Higher Education Loans and Scholarships Board -HELSB- is... General News

DEC Unearths Suspected Counterfeit Fertiliser Plant October 1, 2026 0 The Drug Enforcement Commission (DEC) has uncovered a plant... General News

Business community tipped on ZRA voluntary disclosure October 1, 2026 0 Central Province Permanent Secretary Milner Mwanakampwe has urged the... Health

Government calls for healthcare protection October 1, 2026 0 Government has called on citizens, the private sector and...

Topics

MUKANDILA Faces Forgery and False Document Charges 0 Tonse Pamodzi Secretary General CELESTINE MUKANDILA has pleaded not... Feature Economy

HELSB Seeks Private Investment in Student Loans 0 The Higher Education Loans and Scholarships Board -HELSB- is... General News

DEC Unearths Suspected Counterfeit Fertiliser Plant 0 The Drug Enforcement Commission (DEC) has uncovered a plant... General News

Business community tipped on ZRA voluntary disclosure 0 Central Province Permanent Secretary Milner Mwanakampwe has urged the... Health

Government calls for healthcare protection 0 Government has called on citizens, the private sector and... General News

Chisamba family left homeless after fire 0 A family of four in Chisamba District has been... General News

Mob beating claims life of suspected burglary suspect in Petauke 0 A 28-year-old man has died after allegedly being beaten... Rural News

Chinsali’s Milomfi School gets new classroom block 0 Pupils at Milomfi Primary School in Lubu Ward, Chinsali...

Related Articles

DEC Unearths Suspected Counterfeit Fertiliser Plant

Business community tipped on ZRA voluntary disclosure General News October 1, 2026

Chisamba family left homeless after fire

Mob beating claims life of suspected burglary suspect in Petauke

United Capital Fertilizer to expand capacity

Popular Categories