Sata threatens bishop who pressed for constitutional reform

Zambia’s President Michael Sata has issued a threat to a Catholic bishop who allowed proponents of constitutional reform to organize a meeting on church property.

Sata reportedly said that he would “sort out” Bishop George Lungo of Chipata, who has criticized the Zambian leader for failing to uphold a campaign promise that he would back a new constitution, giving more power to the people. Bishop Lungo said that an angry President Sata summoned him and warned him not to become involved in the campaign for a new constitution.

In the past President Sata has shown little patience with Catholic clerics who oppose his policies. In 2012 he expelled a priest, Father Viateur Banyangandora, who criticized the government’s agricultural policies. (After several months Father Banyangandora, who also served in the Chipata diocese, was allowed to return.)

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