The Banyamulenge Continue to Express Concerns Over Violence They Say They Are Facing in Eastern DRC
As the security situation continues to deteriorate in eastern the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), members of the Banyamulenge community have persistently voiced their concerns over what they describe as acts of persecution based on their ethnic identity. According to several testimonies, some individuals continue to be arrested, detained, or subjected to various forms of violence without publicly disclosed formal charges.
Information coming from the city of Bunia in Ituri Province indicates that eight young Banyamulenge were arrested on Monday, June 16, 2026, by security services of the Armed Forces of the DRC (FARDC). Following their arrest, they were reportedly transferred to the cells of the National Intelligence Agency (ANR) in Bunia. To date, the circumstances surrounding their detention continue to raise serious concern among their families and relatives.
According to sources closely following the case, these young men were engaged in small-scale commercial activities related to money transfer and reception services via M-Pesa, a business that enabled them to support themselves and their families. However, some security officials are said to suspect them of collaborating with armed groups—allegations that, so far, have not been substantiated by any publicly available evidence.
Citizens, as well as several human rights organizations, continue to express concern over what they consider a pattern of arrests or prosecutions of Banyamulenge individuals based on identity rather than on specific evidence of wrongdoing. They warn that such a situation risks further fueling community tensions and deepening the discrimination and injustice that have been reported for several years across various parts of eastern DRC.
The arrest of these eight young men adds to a series of concerns repeatedly raised by the Banyamulenge, who claim to be facing persistent insecurity, discrimination, and violence linked to their identity. Many residents in different localities of eastern DRC argue that they are frequently accused of ties with armed groups without tangible evidence being presented, a situation they say undermines their rights as Congolese citizens.
Observers of the situation are calling on the relevant authorities to conduct a thorough, impartial, and transparent investigation to determine whether the arrest of these young men is based on solid evidence or whether it could amount to persecution based on ethnic affiliation. They also urge that the rights of detainees be fully respected and that any judicial process be conducted in accordance with the law, without discrimination based on origin or community belonging.
Pending clarification from the competent authorities, the families of the detained youths, along with many members of the Banyamulenge community, continue to call for fair justice and for the prevention of any practices that could encourage division or undermine citizens’ fundamental rights on the basis of identity.
Minembwe Capital News continues to monitor this case closely in order to keep its readers informed of any developments regarding the situation of the eight young men currently detained in Bunia.