Former Lusaka Mayor and human rights advocate Fisho Mwale has openly called on President Hakainde Hichilema to immediately dismiss Inspector General of Police Graphael Musamba, accusing him of a serious breach of diplomatic protocol. Mwale’s appeal comes after a controversial incident where heavily armed police officers were deployed to prevent a memorial mass for the late President Michael Chilufya Sata at the Catholic Church of Zambia’s Child of Jesus Cathedral, a location Mwale emphasized as having diplomatic significance due to its ties to the Holy See.
Reflecting on Zambia’s 60 years of independence, Mwale criticized the police action, stating, “After 60 years of independence, Zambia absolutely should not be witnessing the events that unfolded today at the Catholic Cathedral.” He emphasized that the church grounds, referred to as The Pope Square, should be considered diplomatic territory, and he urged President Hichilema to take decisive action by dismissing the Inspector General. “Deploying armed police to disrupt a religious service at a church with diplomatic ties to the Holy See risks undermining Zambia’s international standing and diplomatic respect,” Mwale remarked, stressing that “the Catholic Church has diplomatic relations with Zambia that ought to be respected.”
Mwale further criticized the Ministry of Foreign Affairs for not advising President Hichilema on the implications of disrupting a service led by Archbishop Alick Banda, who represents the Pope. He warned that such actions could reflect poorly on Zambia’s diplomatic image, potentially inviting reciprocal actions against Zambian missions abroad. “This makes Zambia look barbaric abroad,” Mwale said, adding that respect for diplomatic institutions is crucial to maintaining Zambia’s standing on the international stage.
The memorial service was intended to honor the late President Sata on the 10th anniversary of his passing. Sata, a devout Catholic, remains widely respected by Zambians from all political and social backgrounds. His commemoration at the Catholic Church was expected to be a unifying event, but Musamba’s actions, according to Mwale, have fueled public disappointment and raised concerns about freedom of religious expression and respect for diplomatic entities.
Mwale expressed growing alarm over the intimidation tactics employed by law enforcement, warning that the police’s “unconstitutional actions” could lead to unnecessary loss of life if unchecked. “The despondency among ordinary Zambians regarding the intimidating behavior of law enforcement is alarming. A number of us who have previously been bystanders are now taking umbrage at these developments infringing on peace-loving Zambians,” he cautioned.
The former mayor’s pointed criticism underscores his concern about the current state of law enforcement under Musamba’s leadership. With an apparent increase in police interference in gatherings and commemorative events, Mwale argued that this infringes on citizens’ rights to peaceful assembly and freedom of expression. For Zambia’s image on the world stage, he highlighted, respecting diplomatic institutions such as the Catholic Church is essential. Mwale’s call to action serves as a reminder of the significance of diplomatic protocol and the potential consequences when it is disregarded.
