Politician Moïse Nyarugabo has alleged that more than 10,000 Burundian troops have been deployed in the highlands of Minembwe and surrounding areas in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) as part of what he described as an ongoing campaign to exterminate the Banyamulenge ethnic group, a plan he claims began in 2017.
Speaking at a press briefing in Goma on September 1, 2025, Nyarugabo, who hails from the Minembwe highlands, explained that the conflict was initially ignited by Mai-Mai groups from the Fulero, Bembe, and Nyindu communities, who vowed to continue fighting until the Banyamulenge were wiped out.
He said that while the Mai-Mai were launching attacks, the Congolese government stood by, only intervening after the Banyamulenge created the MRDP-Twirwaneho, a self-defense movement.
“They killed, destroyed, and burned down more than 400 villages. Thousands of people were massacred, about 500,000 cattle were looted and sold in state markets, and residents of the highlands fled. Many ended up in refugee camps in Burundi, Rwanda, Uganda, and Kenya, while others scattered abroad,” Nyarugabo stated.
In 2022, Burundi and the DRC signed a security pact to fight armed groups, including RED Tabara and FOREBU. But according to Nyarugabo, the Banyamulenge were shocked to see Burundi, once a refuge for them, now siding with Kinshasa against them.
He recalled:
“Burundi was a safe haven for us; it welcomed and protected Banyamulenge refugees. Even today, despite the Gatumba massacre, many still live there in peace. But now, over 12 to 15 Burundian battalions—more than 10,000 soldiers—are stationed in our highlands. Officially, they claim to be pursuing RED Tabara. But strangely, RED Tabara joined forces with Mai-Mai, and instead of fighting them, Burundi allied with the same groups to attack us. This is incomprehensible.”
Nyarugabo claimed that Burundian troops, instead of pursuing RED Tabara, linked up with FDLR, the Congolese army, and Mai-Mai to loot and attack Banyamulenge communities across Minembwe. He listed areas such as Bijombo, Gahuna, Kagogo, Mugeti, Nyakirango, Murambya, Gitaka, Kanono, Mitamba, Marimba, and Rurambo as zones where Burundian forces had entrenched themselves.
He further warned that Congolese forces and Mai-Mai militias appeared to be mobilizing for a major offensive against Banyamulenge communities. Drones from Kisangani and Bujumbura, he said, had been conducting airstrikes in the highlands, killing civilians and destroying villages in late August.
According to him, on the night of August 31, drones mistakenly struck an FARDC (Congolese army) base in Karunga, killing between 36 and 48 soldiers, including a battalion commander.
Nyarugabo urged Burundi to withdraw from what he called Kinshasa’s genocidal campaign against the Banyamulenge.
“If Burundi truly wants to fight RED Tabara, it should cooperate with us, not with the Congolese government, Mai-Mai, and Interahamwe who are destroying our people,” he said.
He also appealed to the international community to intervene, warning that the Banyamulenge will not allow themselves to be exterminated.
Banyamulenge Leaders Accused of Betrayal
Despite the formation of Twirwaneho for community defense, some Banyamulenge leaders continue to collaborate with Kinshasa. Among them is Lt. Gen. Pacifique Masunzu, commander of the Third Military Region, and Urban Development Minister Alexis Gisaro, both of whom publicly deny that atrocities are being committed against their people.
Nyarugabo accused them of suffering from Stockholm Syndrome.
“It’s a psychological condition where victims begin to sympathize with their aggressors. That’s what afflicts Masunzu and others,” he said.
He insisted that despite their denials, Masunzu and Gisaro are fully aware that thousands of Banyamulenge have fled their ancestral lands due to attacks by Mai-Mai, the Congolese army, and allied militias.
“When drones and warplanes strike Banyamulenge villages, they don’t choose who to kill. Our brothers and sisters die together. Those who deny this truth will one day be held accountable,” Nyarugabo warned.
He concluded by urging Banyamulenge leaders aligned with the DRC government to rethink their stance:
“If they cannot speak out for security reasons, they should at least remain silent. But by denying the suffering of their people, they will ultimately face shame and judgment.”
Author: Justinmind HARERIMANA
