National

Zambian Immigration Department deported a Rwandan Catholic Church Priest for allegedly inciting the congregation to rise against the Zambian government.

According to the Zambian Home Affairs Minister, Edgar Lungu, who confirmed the deportation, Father Viateur Banyangandora, a Rwandan, was deported after the sermon he gave last Sunday which was perceived to be inciting people to rise against the government.

Father Banyangandora, 40, who was picked up from Lundazi suburb on Monday, was deported on Wednesday.

“I can confirm that Fr Banyangandora was deported to Rwanda in order to safeguard the rule of law and order in the country,” Lungu was quoted as saying.

Banyangandora was picked from his residence on Monday by security officers.

According to Zambian officials, Banyangandora who was a holder of Employment Permit No 008955, issued on November 27, 2006 when he entered the country, was found to be a danger to the country’s peace and order.

The Zambian home affairs minister said church leaders and any foreigner or missionary who comes into the country should abide by the laws of the country.

According to the Rwanda’s Directorate of Immigration and Emigration, Banyangandora was well received and reunited with his family.

“We received him and the next step will be known later,” said Ange Sebutege, the department’s communication officer.

“The police was not informed of Banyangandora deportation. We only intervene when the deportee has a case to answer in Rwanda through the prosecution. But as far as I know, we have not received any communication regarding him,” Police Spokesperson, Supt Theos Badege said.

Fr Banyangandora joined the Association of Zambian Diocesan Catholic Clergy (ADZACC) as a Catholic seminarian refugee.

He studied at Mpima Major Seminary in Kabwe before proceeding to St Mary’s Major Seminary in Lusaka for his theological studies.  He was ordained Catholic Priest serving in Chipata Diocese in 2004.

Contact email: fred.ndoli[at]newtimes.co.rw