Fear no police, no guns, Changala tells citizens backing Archbishop Banda

Fear no police, no guns, Changala tells citizens backing Archbishop Banda

Governance activist Brebner Changala has urged Zambians not to be intimidated by police presence or firearms and to demonstrate peaceful public solidarity with Archbishop Alick Banda ahead of his appearance at the Drug Enforcement Commission (DEC), describing the moment as a defining test of constitutional freedoms and civic participation.

Changala said the summoning of the Archbishop had generated widespread concern among citizens, churches, civil society organisations, and opposition political parties, arguing that the situation goes beyond an individual matter and touches on the broader state of civic space in the country.

He called on church mother bodies, civil society organisations, opposition parties, and their supporters to escort Archbishop Banda to the DEC offices, stressing that such an act would be lawful, peaceful, and constitutionally protected. Changala emphasised that public solidarity should not be misinterpreted as confrontation or disorder.

According to Changala, the presence of armed officers or police vehicles should not discourage citizens from exercising their rights. He argued that constitutional freedoms lose practical meaning when fear prevents lawful civic action.

Changala said the church has historically played a central role in Zambia’s democratic development, often acting as a moral voice during periods of political tension and national debate. He warned that actions perceived as intimidating religious leaders risk undermining public confidence and narrowing civic space.

He stressed that his appeal was not a call for chaos, provocation, or resistance to law enforcement. Instead, he urged citizens to remain calm, disciplined, and respectful of the law while showing solidarity.

Changala noted that peaceful escorting of public figures has precedent in democratic societies and serves as a visible expression of public concern rather than interference with legal processes. He also warned against silence, arguing that failure to respond to perceived intimidation can gradually normalise the misuse of state institutions.

He urged all participants to avoid inflammatory language or actions, emphasising that solidarity must reinforce, not undermine, public order. Changala further appealed to political leaders and security agencies to act with restraint, transparency, and professionalism, warning that public trust is fragile and easily eroded when actions are perceived as heavy-handed.

Changala said the outcome of the moment would shape public confidence in democratic institutions and civic freedoms, maintaining that peaceful engagement reassures citizens that constitutional rights remain intact.

Meanwhile, several opposition political parties have announced plans to conduct a peaceful solidarity walk in support of Archbishop Banda ahead of his DEC appearance, framing the action as a lawful expression of constitutional rights and public concern.

Opposition leaders said the planned walk is intended to demonstrate unity with the Archbishop and to reaffirm the right of citizens and organisations to express solidarity without fear or intimidation. They stressed that the action would be peaceful, orderly, and respectful of public institutions.

According to opposition figures, the decision to organise the walk followed public debate surrounding the DEC summons, which they said raised concerns among citizens, church groups, and civil society organisations about the treatment of religious leaders and the broader state of civic space.

Opposition representatives emphasised that the walk is not aimed at interfering with the work of law enforcement agencies or obstructing legal processes. Instead, they described it as a symbolic act of support for a religious leader who has spoken publicly on national issues.

They noted that Archbishop Banda is appearing before the DEC in his personal capacity and said the solidarity walk is meant to affirm his right, and the right of others, to engage in public discourse without intimidation.

Opposition leaders pointed to constitutional guarantees of freedom of expression, assembly, and association, arguing that peaceful demonstrations remain a legitimate form of civic participation. They said visible solidarity helps protect these freedoms by demonstrating public engagement.

They urged supporters to remain disciplined and calm during the walk, warning against any conduct that could lead to disorder or confrontation. Organisers said marshals would be deployed to ensure order and cooperation with law enforcement officers.

Opposition figures also cited the church’s historical role in Zambia’s public life, noting its contribution to dialogue on governance, social justice, and national values. They argued that engagement between religious leaders and the state should occur without actions that could be perceived as intimidation.

They added that the solidarity walk should not be interpreted as hostility toward government institutions but as an exercise of democratic rights, stating that public trust in institutions is strengthened when citizens feel free to express support and concern openly.

The announcement has drawn national attention, with calls from various quarters for restraint, dialogue, and respect for constitutional principles. Opposition leaders said they remain committed to ensuring the action proceeds peacefully and lawfully, urging citizens to uphold calm and respect for the law, and stressing that the objective is solidarity, not confrontation.