Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Lusaka (Fides News Agency) – “We wish to state unequivocally and without ambiguity that the Candlelight Prayers for Peace will take place as scheduled in all parishes of the Archdiocese of Lusaka on 12 August.” This was stated in a communiqué issued by the Archdiocese of Zambia’s capital.
The event is part of the Novena of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary, scheduled from 6 to 14 August and celebrated in all parishes of the Archdiocese, with daily broadcasts on Radio Maria Zambia – Yatsani Voice.
This year, the Novena takes on a special meaning as it coincides with the 13 August general elections. The prayers are intended to invoke peace, wisdom and God’s protection over Zambia throughout the electoral process.
On 6 August, Batuke Imenda, Secretary General of the United Party for National Development (UPND), the party of President Hakainde Hichilema, called on the Church to cancel the event, arguing that candles and lamps are official political symbols of some opposition parties.
In its response, the Archdiocese reiterated that the candlelight prayers have an exclusively spiritual meaning and are intended to seek God’s peace, wisdom and protection for Zambia as the country approaches the elections. “The prayers have no political connotation and should neither be interpreted nor portrayed as supporting or opposing any political party, candidate or interest group.”
The Archdiocese also stressed that “prayer must never be politicized. Prayer is not the property of any political party nor the prerogative of any ideology. Every Zambian, regardless of their political affiliation, needs peace, wisdom and God’s protection.”
The controversy raised by the ruling party is indicative of the tensions that have marked the election campaign. On 6 August, Archbishop Alick Banda of Lusaka strongly condemned the wave of violence ahead of the 13 August general elections, warning that such incidents threaten the country’s democracy and constitutional order.
“News reports from across the country reveal disturbing incidents, including attacks on electoral convoys, assaults on supporters, destruction of property and the loss of innocent lives,” Archbishop Banda said. “Violent clashes during rallies, intimidation of citizens and targeted attacks against opposition candidates have marred the democratic landscape,” he stressed.
“Such acts are not merely assaults on individuals, but direct attacks on democracy, the Constitution and the values upon which Zambia is founded. Of particular concern are reports of opposition supporters being harassed while exercising their constitutional right to campaign. Democracy thrives on ideas, persuasion and debate, not on fists, stones or weapons,” Archbishop Banda said.
“History will judge harshly those who orchestrate or incite violence. Political offices are temporary, but the wounds inflicted on citizens and the divisions sown in communities can last for generations. No ambition justifies the blood of a Zambian compatriot,” the Archbishop warned. (L.M.) (Fides News Agency, 10/8/2026)
