Peace and reconciliation forum kicks off in restive Kasai region

A forum for peace and reconciliation in Democratic Republic of Congo’s Kasai region will open on Monday September 18.

The 3-day forum to be held in Kananga, brings together religious leaders, politicians and civil society groups from the five provinces in the restive region.

Clashes erupted a year ago when the Congolese army killed the regional tribal leader of the Kamwina Nsapu militia.

Since then, more than three thousand people have lost their lives, according to the Catholic Church.

The United Nations estimates 1.4 million people have been displaced and says the region is on brink of a humanitarian catastrophe.