The Bishops Council of Zambia (BCZ) is calling for accountability among student union leaders following the recent riot at Copperbelt University (CBU). Bishop Able Kaela, the BCZ General Secretary, emphasized that resorting to violence cannot be justified by any grievances the students might have.
Bishop Kaela proposed that all students be levied with a surcharge to compensate for the damage done during the unrest. He also advocated for the identification and expulsion of the ringleader from the university.
According to Bishop Kaela, union leaders need to clarify if violence is part of their strategy, as the students’ behavior was deemed unacceptable. He criticized the students for their conduct, likening it to that of individuals who have lost their way.
He noted that the current economic hardships in the country make it particularly unacceptable to destroy or steal property that others have worked hard to acquire. Bishop Kaela expressed frustration that students protesting issues like unreliable water supply should not target other people’s property.
“We are deeply disturbed by the church’s view of the students’ behavior as deplorable, barbaric, and animalistic,” Bishop Kaela stated. He called for severe penalties to correct this behavior and urged that university management address student issues promptly to prevent such incidents.
