Church Clarifies UN Role in Mundubile, Makebi Zulu Handover, Rules Out Political Deal

Instead, their responsibility was limited to ensuring a peaceful and dignified transition and supporting the observance of due process, fairness and human rights.

The Church further disclosed that consultations with Government authorities, the two opposition leaders, their lawyers and the United Nations were cordial and constructive, with assurances that the legal processes would be conducted in accordance with the law, due process and human dignity.

The clarification comes amid what the Church described as misinformation and misrepresentation surrounding the circumstances of the handover.

The Eight Church Mother Bodies says suggestions that the United Nations and the Church had failed to broker a political deal were misplaced, as no such mandate had been given to either institution.

Reverend Kasungami says the Church would, however, continue to monitor the implementation of assurances made concerning the treatment of the two opposition leaders.

Beyond the immediate handover, the Church Mother Bodies say they are now considering a broader national healing and reconciliation process aimed at creating space for dialogue, justice, truth and the rebuilding of trust across Zambia’s political and social divides.

They have also appealed to political actors and the public to lower the political temperature, avoid inflammatory social media messages and allow institutions to perform their respective roles as Zambia seeks peace, unity, stability and renewed national cohesion.