2016-04-22 09:14:00

Catholic Church in Zambia condemns xenophobic violence


The Catholic Church in Zambia has condemned the violence in the country’s capital following “rumours about ritual killings” and subsequent reprisal attacks on some foreign nationals and has termed the xenophobic assaults “regrettable.”

In a prepared question interview with CANAA, the Secretary General of Zambia Episcopal Conference (ZEC), Father Cleophas Lungu confirmed that the Catholic Church has “issued statements condemning these barbaric acts of violence” and called for peace.

“The violence in question is two-fold. On one hand, we have had reported incidents of at least four people who were killed by unknown people in some densely populated compounds of Lusaka in the recent weeks,” Father Lungu explained.

“When rumours started circulating that these were ritual killings being perpetrated by foreign nationals doing business in Zambia,” Father Lungu continued to explain, “Scores of residents in affected areas of Lusaka unfortunately took the law into their hands and started looting shops and business houses owned by foreign nationals and immigrants, especially those from Rwanda.”

The Church, according to Father Lungu, challenged the government of Zambia “to be more proactive and do everything possible to bring an end to this unfortunate trend of behavior.”

President Lungu Thursday made an impromptu visit to the foreign nationals seeking refuge at Kalemba Hall of St Ignatius Catholic Church in Lusaka.

“I take full responsibility on behalf of the Zambian people. I also assure you of full protection and security of your person and property,” President Lungu has been quoted as telling the over 300 foreign nationals at the Catholic Church.

Father Lungu confirmed the help from the Church towards those affected by the violence saying, “Catholics and other people of good-will have generously come on board to offer food and provide some warm clothing.”

Below is the full text of the prepared question interview with Father Cleophas Lungu, Secretary General, Zambia Episcopal Conference.

CANAA: What do you have to say about the violence in your country’s capital, Lusaka? 

Father Lungu: The violence in question is two-fold. On one hand, we have had reported incidents of at least four people who were killed by unknown people in some densely populated compounds of Lusaka in the recent weeks. Their bodies were found to be missing some parts, thereby sparking the speculation that they could have been "ritual killings" by people who wanted to grow their business.

The police have arrested some suspects but investigations are still on-going.

On the other hand, when rumours started circulating that these were ritual killings being perpetrated by foreign nationals doing business in Zambia. Scores of residents in affected areas of Lusaka unfortunately took the law into their hands and started looting shops and business houses owned by foreign nationals and immigrants, especially those from Rwanda.

The police responded and government was by Tuesday forced to beef up security measures by involving some soldiers.

It appears that calm has been restored and the situation is slowly but surely coming under control.

CANAA: Reports have indicated that this violence is xenophobic. Do you agree?

Father Lungu: One can see aspects of xenophobia in that some people have acted on mere rumours and have been spreading unfavorable comments about foreign nationals or immigrants through the social media.

Regrettably, these people have gone further to act against these vulnerable members of our society by stealing and even destroying their property. We also bemoan the fact that two lives have been lost in the disguise of mob-justice.  Indeed, this is something very un-Zambian and un-Christian.

CANAA: What is your take on these claims about ritual killings, particularly the rumours that body parts in such killings have been used as charms to ensure success in business?

Father Lungu: As earlier indicated, there have been rumours about the so-called ritual killings. I believe that these are anchored on people's traditional beliefs of witchcraft and the modern phenomenon of people believing and practicing satanism or devil worship for pecuniary advantage.

On the other hand, one cannot ignore the impact of high levels of poverty, unemployment and the high cost of essential commodities for our people. It is therefore possible that some people took advantage of the confusion to make ends meet.

Nonetheless, this factor does not justify their violent behaviour. We believe that as a country, we must put our heads together and work hard to find sustainable solutions to some of the mentioned social and economic challenges. 

CANAA: How is the Church in Zambia responding to this situation?

Father Lungu: As we continue to celebrate the Jubilee Year of Mercy and bearing in mind the fact that among the corporal works of mercy is the call and mission to welcome strangers, feed the hungry and shelter the homeless, the Church has responded with compassion.

One parish has provided refuge to more than 50 victims of the said acts of violence. Catholics and other people of good-will have generously come on board to offer food and provide some warm clothing.

Apart from that, the Church has also issued statements condemning these barbaric acts of violence, calling for peace and calm among the people while challenging civil authorities to be more proactive and do everything possible to bring an end to this unfortunate trend of behaviour among our people.

Further, our Justice and Peace Commission under the umbrella of Caritas Zambia is doing some background work of social analysis to explore the root causes of what has transpired and seek some long-term solutions.

CANAA: Any specific actions on the part of Zambia government that you can talk about?

Father Lungu: They have beefed up the number of police and soldiers who are patrolling the affected areas of Lusaka.

CANAA: What is your message to the Zambians in the face of this challenge?

Father Lungu: First of all, we again condemn all forms of violence, including that of murder, looting and destruction of other people's property.

Secondly, we continue to call for combined efforts of promoting a culture of peace especially as we move towards the General elections in August this year. Not only that, the Church will always take the lead in acts of mercy and charity. Already, after the 1994 genocide in Rwanda, the Catholic Bishops adopted more than 20 seminarians who could not finish their priestly formation in their home country. These joined the Zambian Seminaries until their priestly ordination. Whilst a good number of these priests have returned to Rwanda, some have opted to continue serving the Church in Zambia, which has become their home.

Therefore, we urge Zambians to emulate Pope Francis who is challenging us and the entire world to break the walls of hatred that lead to violence and avoid the philosophy of indifference. Instead, we are called to welcome strangers in our country, our Zambian society, our families as well as our Small Christian Communities.

(By Father Don Bosco Onyalla –CANAA, Nairobi) 

Email: engafrica@vatiradio.va








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