Ne Muanda Nsemi, spiritual leader of the “Bundu dia Kongo” movement, died at the age of 77 in Kinshasa. This former honorary deputy and Congolese author was known for his involvement in the political-religious movement Bundu dia Kongo.
Born Zacharie Badiengila in the province of Kongo Central, Ne Muanda Nsemi considered himself the spiritual heir of Simon Kimbangu, preacher and prophet of the Kimbanguist religious movement, as well as of Joseph Kasa-Vubu, political figure of autonomism and supporter of resurrection of the Kongo kingdom of the 15th century.
His political career began in the 1960s, when he founded the Bundu dia Kongo movement. Initially a cultural organization, the movement transformed into a political group in 1986. Ne Muanda Nsemi wrote several works in Kikongo, including “Mvutu kua PSV” (Response to the PSV), in which he is accused of having translated and taught the texts of the PSV teachings without authorization.
Ne Muanda Nsemi became more widely known during the 2006 legislative elections when he accused Joseph Kabila, president at the time, of being a Rwandan seeking to take over the DRC. His statements sparked riots in the Bas-Congo province in February 2007.
In 2017, Ne Muanda Nsemi was arrested and incarcerated at Makala prison in Kinshasa, but he managed to escape thanks to the support of his militiamen who opened fire on the penitentiary center. After his flight, he remained in the background for a while, reappearing briefly in 2019 during the presidency of Félix Tshisekedi.
In March 2020, he launched new attacks, this time in different towns in Kongo Central province, before being arrested in April and admitted to a neuro-psychopathological center in Kinshasa. After long negotiations, he was released, apologized to the first lady and recognized President Tshisekedi.
With the disappearance of Ne Muanda Nsemi, a controversial figure on the Congolese political scene has passed away. His tumultuous journey and his radical positions have provoked passionate reactions and divided public opinion. His legacy will remain marked by his nationalist demands and his political-religious vision of the Congo.