DRC bans religious sect
2008-03-22 14:43
Kinshasa - The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) government has effectively banned a religious sect after bloody clashes between its followers left scores dead, authorities said Saturday.
Violence in the western Bas-Congo region where the Bundu dia Kongo (BDK) movement is active, has killed 27 people since the end of February, according to a government death toll.
However UN sources and charities put the figure at possibly more than 100.
"The council of ministers has decided to withdraw" the decision to recognise the BDK as a non-profit organisation as "it is no longer a cultural body," a cabinet statement said late on Friday.
The BDK is a secessionist religious opposition group firmly entrenched in Bas-Congo. It campaigns for the restoration of the former kingdom of Kongo, which comprised Bas-Congo, parts of neighbouring Angola and Gabon.
Its followers are accused by the state of attacks on state employees and not recognising Kinshasa's authority.
The BDK's spiritual leader, Ne Muanda Nsemi, claims the police have attacked civilians and has called for round-table talks on the situation in the province.
The region is DRC's sole oil-producing area. - Sapa-AFP
- SAPA