No Political Deal was on the Table

“Contrary to what was being circulated and, in some instances, seemingly deliberately portrayed, neither the Church Mother Bodies nor the United Nations had a mandate from either the Government or the opposition leaders to negotiate a political reconciliation or settlement between the two parties,” Kasungami said.

He said the Church’s involvement came at the request of the United Nations through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Kasungami said the UN explained that its premises were intended for UN purposes and that the presence of Mundubile and Zulu did not amount to refugee status or diplomatic asylum.

“It therefore became necessary to facilitate their safe, orderly and dignified departure from the premises,” he said.

He said the UN wanted a trusted national institution to facilitate the transition, with the consent of both leaders.

“Following consultations among the relevant parties, both the Government and the opposition leaders agreed that the Church Mother Bodies should be requested to undertake this limited but critical role as the trusted Third Party,” Kasungami said.

He said Mundubile and Zulu were aware of the matters raised by the State and had indicated that they were willing to face any lawful processes, provided their rights and due process were respected.

Kasungami said the Church consequently facilitated their departure from the UN premises and handed them over to their legal representatives.

He said the arrangement was intended to ensure that any subsequent engagement with law enforcement would take place with the involvement and access of their lawyers.

The EFZ Executive Director said the Church remained in close consultation with the UN while engaging Government, the two opposition leaders and their legal representatives.

He said Government had also given assurances that the legal processes would be conducted in accordance with the law, due process, fairness and human dignity.

Kasungami said the Church would remain attentive to the implementation of those assurances.

He said the process was conducted in close consultation with the UN Secretary-General’s Special Envoy, who remained engaged with the Church until Thursday night before leaving the country on Friday.

Kasungami stressed that the Church’s role was not to determine whether Mundubile and Zulu were guilty or innocent.

“Our role here is not to determine innocence or guilt, nor to interfere with the work of lawful institutions. It is to help ensure that this transition takes place peacefully, responsibly and with respect for all parties,” he said.

He said the Church had now begun considering a broader national healing and reconciliation process, which would be separate from the third-party assignment involving Mundubile and Zulu.

Kasungami appealed to Zambians to reject misinformation and avoid unnecessary political provocation, particularly on social media.

“Let us lower the temperature,” he said, urging all institutions to play their proper roles as Zambia moves towards healing, reconciliation and renewed national cohesion.

Meanwhile, police have recorded warn and caution statements from Mundubile and Zulu in connection with an alleged treason offence.

Police spokesperson Godfrey Chilabi said the two had been questioned by investigators and remained in custody.

Police said the investigation relates to an alleged offence of treason contrary to Section 43(1) of the Penal Code, Chapter 87.

Mundubile was a presidential candidate in Zambia’s August 13 general election, while Zulu served as his running mate.