03/01/2026
Njobvu appeals to HH to pardon 34 Chiwempala youths
..calls for a ceasefire against Archbishop Banda
In the spirit of love and forgiveness, Democratic Union president, Ackim Antony Njobvu is calling for mercy and reconciliation, appealing to President Hakainde Hichilema to pardon the 34 Chingola youths involved in the Chiwempala incident last year.
And Njobvu has also urged for a ceasefire against Archbishop Alick Banda, who is currently facing scrutiny from the Drug Enforcement Commission (DEC).
Njobvu's appeal aligns with President Hichilema's new year's message of unity, love, and dialogue.
He says the Chiwempala incident was a community issue that escalated due to unresolved tensions.
The 34 youths of Chiwempala are accused of committing several crimes, including, terrorism; endangering lives, damaging property, and instilling fear in the public to prevent them from attending a public address by the government.
These charges stem from a riot that occurred on November 8, 2025, when President Hichilema visited the gutted Chiwempala Market in Chingola.
The youths allegedly threw stones at the President's stage, disrupting his address.
"I want to make a special appeal to the President on behalf of the 34 youths and their families, to consider pardoning the young people who threw stones at him during a rally in Chiwempala in Chingola," he said.
Njobvu stated that the President's message is crucial considering last year's events which seemingly caused tension and divisions in the country.
Meanwhile, Njobvu has also called for a ceasefire against Catholic bishop Alick Banda.
Archbishop Banda's situation is sparking debate, with some seeing it as a test of the government's commitment to justice and others as a potential intimidation tactic ahead of the 2026 elections.
The opposition leader has since reminded the President of what the church did for him when he was slapped with treason as an opposition leader.