The debate over violence targeting the Banyamulenge—a Congolese Tutsi community based in South Kivu, particularly in Uvira territory—has taken a sharp turn. Speaking at a press conference in Belgium, Muhamiriza Jean Scohier delivered a blunt message: “It is not President Félix Tshisekedi who is killing the Banyamulenge; it is Rwanda.”
Addressing members of the Congolese diaspora, the community leader outlined what he described as a historical pattern of violence against the Banyamulenge. According to him, “since 1996, there has been a gradual strategy of extermination,” unfolding against the backdrop of recurring conflict in eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo.
1996–2002: Early Tensions and a Blocked “Transfer”
In his remarks, Muhamiriza pointed to 2002 as a pivotal moment, alleging that there was an attempt to forcibly relocate Banyamulenge populations to Rwanda. That effort, he said, was resisted by General Masunzu, who “fought to prevent the transfer.” The episode, he argued, illustrates early external pressure aimed at redefining the community’s presence on Congolese soil.
2017: Deadly Attacks in Minembwe
Muhamiriza also identified 2017 as a particularly violent year. He accused Rwanda of backing the deployment of the militia Red Tabara in Minembwe. According to his account, the attacks left “hundreds dead, villages burned, and more than 500,000 head of cattle looted.”
These claims, which are difficult to independently verify, come amid chronic insecurity in South Kivu’s highlands, where multiple armed groups—local and foreign—have been active for years.
2018: Refugee Returns Met With Violence
He further alleged that in 2018, Banyamulenge refugees attempting to return to the DRC were targeted by the Rwandan Defence Forces (RDF), resulting in 21 deaths and several arrests.
Such accusations add to already strained diplomatic relations between Kinshasa and Kigali. Congolese authorities have repeatedly accused Rwanda of backing armed groups in the east—claims Kigali consistently denies.
A Call for National Unity
Beyond the allegations, Muhamiriza closed with a political appeal: “This crisis has lasted more than 30 years. Its resolution depends on the unity of Congolese people.”
As insecurity persists in eastern DRC, his remarks underscore a deepening divide over responsibility for the violence—whether internal or external—in a conflict marked by multiple actors and competing narratives.
JDW
