ZAMBIA: Government Revokes Catholic Priest’s Deportation Order
Government of Zambia has reversed the
deportation of Rwandese Catholic priest, Rev Fr Viateur Banyangandora and
declared that he is free to come back.
deportation of Rwandese Catholic priest, Rev Fr Viateur Banyangandora and
declared that he is free to come back.
Home Affairs Minister, Edgar Lungu said at a
media briefing that the revocation of the deportation order followed
consultations with various members of the Catholic Church.
media briefing that the revocation of the deportation order followed
consultations with various members of the Catholic Church.
He said the move was in line with “the
Bible teachings to forgive one another in the love of Christ.”
Bible teachings to forgive one another in the love of Christ.”
Mr Lungu, however, warned members of the
public regardless of their political affiliation that matters of the Church
should not be mixed with politics. “I further warn those who want to
intervene with the running of Government while hiding behind religion that the
law will catch up with them.” he said adding that “I will not take
kindly to anyone who uses the name of the Church to gain political mileage at
the expense of serving the Zambian people.”
public regardless of their political affiliation that matters of the Church
should not be mixed with politics. “I further warn those who want to
intervene with the running of Government while hiding behind religion that the
law will catch up with them.” he said adding that “I will not take
kindly to anyone who uses the name of the Church to gain political mileage at
the expense of serving the Zambian people.”
According to Times of Zambia Father Banyangadora,
40, who was based at Lundazi Catholic Parish, was deported about three months
ago for allegedly violating the Laws of Zambia.
40, who was based at Lundazi Catholic Parish, was deported about three months
ago for allegedly violating the Laws of Zambia.
In his deportation order, Mr Lungu stated
that Fr Banyangandora’s conduct was found to be a danger to peace and good order
in Zambia contrary to Section 39(2) of the Immigration and Deportation Act, No.
18 of 2010.
that Fr Banyangandora’s conduct was found to be a danger to peace and good order
in Zambia contrary to Section 39(2) of the Immigration and Deportation Act, No.
18 of 2010.
Meanwhile the Zambia Episcopal Conference (ZEC) and the
Council Churches in Zambia (CCZ) said separately that the move would enhance
the relationship between the church and the Government.
ZEC General Secretary Father Cleophas Lungu said in an
interview in Lusaka that the Catholic Church was happy with the revocation.
“We are happy with this good news. We
have been praying and hoping that Government reconsiders the deportation of the
man of God,” Fr Lungu said.
have been praying and hoping that Government reconsiders the deportation of the
man of God,” Fr Lungu said.
He said the Catholic Church had made its
mandate clear that it would never participate in partisan politics but continue
advocating for good governance and development.
mandate clear that it would never participate in partisan politics but continue
advocating for good governance and development.
He said just as Government had forgiven Fr
Banyangandora, the Church also continued to bear with all those with whom
misunderstandings may exist.
Banyangandora, the Church also continued to bear with all those with whom
misunderstandings may exist.
CCZ Secretary-General Suzanne Matale said the
revocation of Fr Banyangandora’s deportation was a welcome development.
revocation of Fr Banyangandora’s deportation was a welcome development.
Reverend Matale however reiterated that the
Church would continue to comment on matters of governance. “We preach to
human beings that are affected by politics. Their concerns are our concerns
therefore we cannot shun from talking about them,” Rev Matale said.
Church would continue to comment on matters of governance. “We preach to
human beings that are affected by politics. Their concerns are our concerns
therefore we cannot shun from talking about them,” Rev Matale said.
SOURCE: CISA News
