By Staff Reporter
The Catholic Archdiocese of Lusaka has urged the clergy, religious and the faithful who are able to attend the solidarity mass today for Archbishop Alick Banda to come together in prayer, while remaining calm, peaceful and steadfast in faith.
And the Tonse alliance has urged “those of us who can, as many as possible, attend the Solidarity Mass at the Cathedral of the Child Jesus.”
However, there is information that 400 police have been mobilised to stop the solidarity.
Police when asked by press time yesterday on information about 400 officers having been organised to stop people from offering solidarity to Archbishop Banda, said: “DEC will issue a statement at 15 hours”
The police said the Drug Enforcement Commission (DEC) would issue a statement at 15hrs, when asked to comment on information that 400 police officers have been organised to stop crowds from escorting Archbishop Banda to the DEC offices, where he has been summoned for questioning.
Asked to comment on information that the presidency does not want to see crowds around Bishop Banda for his appearance before DEC, Police spokesperson Godfrey Chilabi said: “There is a press statement that will be issued I think at DEC with regards to that at 15 hours. Yes. So let’s wait at 15 hours I am sure those questions will be answered. Sure.”
The Lusaka Archdiocese in their statement earlier, indicated that prayers would be offered for the Archbishop’s safety, strength and wisdom, and for truth, justice and peace to prevail throughout the process.
They stated that Bishop Banda had been summoned by DEC, and that the Archdiocese of Lusaka was calling on the faithful to stand in solidarity with their Local Shepherd.
The Archdiocese said it was deeply concerned about the Archbishop’s safety and well-being as he responds to the renewed summons in accordance with the law.
”It has consequently called for a Solidarity Mass at the Cathedral of the Child Jesus on Monday, September 28th, 2026, at 08:00 hours, ahead of Archbishop Banda’s expected appearance before the DEC at 10:00 hours,” read the statement in part. “The Church is urging clergy, religious and lay faithful who are able to attend to come together in prayer, while remaining calm, peaceful and steadfast in faith. The Archdiocese says prayers will also be offered for the Archbishop’s safety, strength and wisdom, and for truth, justice and peace to prevail throughout the process.”
And the Tonse/Pamodzi alliance called for unwavering solidarity with those being persecuted for standing up in defence of “all our rights”.
Alliance chairperson Sakwiba Sikota stated that the solidarity was called to fight against those using state institutions as a weapon to crush the voice of reason.
”In this regard, let us all stand with His Grace Most Rev. ALick Banda, The Archbishop of Lusaka, who has been summoned, yet again by the Drug Enforcement Commission (DEC),” stated Sikota. “Let those of us who can, as many of us as possible, attend the Solidarity Mass to be celebrated at the Cathedral of the Child Jesus tomorrow Monday, 28th September, 2026 at 8:00 hours.”
