Zambia Bishops Speak Out

Lusaka, Zambia

Zambia remains one of the better governed countries in Africa. At least its institutions of governance work by and large. However, corruption remains an issue despite some gains. Zambia’s courts have handed down some tough rulings against corrupt officials from previous administrations. This has been interpreted by some as a positive indication of a commitment to weed out corruption. Transparency International has applauded the actions of the courts. However, Transparency International has also indicated that Zambian corruption remains endemic and that some of the anti-graft actions may be selective in targetting officials from previous administrations.

Recently, the Catholic Bishops of Zambia (ZEC – Zambian Episcopal Conferenc) has drawn attention to corruption in Zambia which the ZEC characterise as “endemic”. A strong challenge has been issued to Government to tackle the issue. In its summing up of the situation in Zambia today the Bishops paint a rather somber picture: Zambia is a nation at a crossroads, they say.

Our nation, today, stands a the threshold of a looming crisis. We face may challenges of governance and survival, among which, are increasing poverty and the presence of abject poverty, a pervading cancer of corruption, spirallying job losses, economic disintegration, an education system that is failing and a constitution making a process that is still controversial and seems not to be in the interests of citizens. As Zambians, we need to examine our conscience, seek the truth and work towards bringing back hope to our people.