Zambia revokes order to deport Catholic priest

November 13, 2012

The government of Zambia has reversed its decision to deport a Rwandan priest who had criticized the country’s economic policies.

Zambia had moved to expel Father Viateur Banyangandora in August, after the priest complained in a sermon that government policies were depressing cotton prices and impoverishing farmers. But under pressure from Church leaders and human-rights advocates the government has now said that Father Banyangandora will be allowed to stay. Home minister Edgar Lungu said that the government was rescinding the deportation order because of “the Bible teachings to forgive one another.”

 

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Further information:

• Waning Catholic Support Forces PF to Reverse Deportation of Rwandese Priest (Zambia Reports)
• Zambia: priests protest deportation of Rwandan cleric (CWN, 8/13)