Thousands turn up for DR Congo Cardinal’s memorial

Thousands of people in the Democratic Republic of Congo are paying tribute to Cardinal Laurent Monsengwo – a widely respected former Roman Catholic archbishop who championed democracy and human rights.

President Félix Tshisekedi and his counterpart from neighbouring Republic of Congo, Denis Sassou-Nguesso are attending a special service in Kinshasa.

Cardinal Monsengwo spoke out against abuses by the military and was a fierce critic of successive governments.

He also played an important role as a mediator when the country faced political crises, first in the 1990’s during Mobutu Sese Seko’s rule and more recently when Joseph Kabila was president.

BBC/Olawunmi Sadiq