In a Monday, August 26 letter that ACI Africa obtained, Bishop Edwin Mwansa Mulandu uses the testimony of a security guard to recount the invasion of the pastoral premises that hosts Yusufu Radio station, where a program featuring a politician had been scheduled.
“A group of young men dressed in red regalia suspected to be affiliates of a major political party forcefully entered our premises,” Bishop Mwansa says in the August 26 letter addressed to the people of God under his pastoral care.
He adds, “According to our security guard, these unruly individuals breached the gate of the premises, removed him from his post, and took over the task of managing vehicle access to our property.”
The Zambian Catholic Bishops says that the invaders, who “forcibly” gained access to the premises between 17h00 and 18h00 Zambia time, aimed to disrupt the political program on Yusufu Radio featuring Harry Kalaba, Citizens First party President.
Mr. Kalaba is Zambia’s opposition leader who has been vocal in faulting President Hakainde Hichilema’s governance.
In his letter, Bishop Mwansa decries the invasion, saying, “The behaviour of these individuals had caused significant distress and disruption, not only to our security personnel but also to the overall safety and security of our property, especially Yusufu Radio station.”
Despite efforts by the security guard to manage the situation “calmly and professionally”, he says, the invaders, armed with offensive weapons, acted “aggressively”, threatening staff members and residents.
The Zambian Catholic Bishop who has been at the helm of Mpika Diocese since his Episcopal Ordination in July 2021 says that the Diocese has lodged a formal complaint with the local police in Mpika, and calls for appropriate action against those responsible.
He underscores the urgency of preventing future incidents and ensuring the safety and security of Diocesan premises and residents.
In the one-page letter that he signed, Bishop Mwansa reaffirms the non-partisan stance of the Catholic Church in Zambia, and goes on to emphasize the Church's commitment to this principle.
He urges the people of God under his pastoral care, who he says have been offended by the incident to remain calm and allow the police to carry out their duties.
“Mpika has always been known for its peaceful and secure environment. We urge all residents of Mpika, and especially our youths, to reject violence and resist being exploited by individuals with political agendas,” the Catholic Church leader says.