Banyamulenge Raise Concerns Over the Detention of Their Young Men in Bunia: “They Are Being Targeted Because of Their Identity, Not Because of Crimes They Committed”
MINEMBWE CAPITAL NEWS (MCN)
The Banyamulenge community has once again expressed concern over the continued detention of some of its young members in Bunia City, Ituri Province, eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). They allege that the young men were arrested because of their work activities and ethnic background rather than for crimes proven through a judicial process.
According to information provided by Banyamulenge families to Minembwe Capital News (MCN) through voice messages, the young men were arrested on June 3, 2026, while carrying out mobile money transfer services through M-Pesa, a widely used financial service platform in the DRC.
Information received by MCN indicates that a total of eight (8) young men were initially arrested. However, six (6) were later released, while two (2) remain in detention.
Sources familiar with the case said that security authorities accused them of transferring money to individuals suspected of having links with the M23 movement. However, the detainees and their families maintain that no concrete evidence has been presented proving that they collaborated with the group or were involved in any of its activities.
The families argue that the main reason the two young men remain detained is because they are Banyamulenge, describing the situation as part of what they consider discrimination and persecution based on their ethnic identity.
The Banyamulenge community says that the alleged abuses against them are not a new phenomenon. They claim that, for years, they have faced various forms of mistreatment, including arrests, violence, killings, and other actions they describe as violations of their fundamental rights, allegedly linked to their identity as Banyamulenge.
They further state that, on several occasions, members of their community have been arrested and accused of various offenses before thorough investigations were conducted. According to them, some cases have appeared to be based more on ethnic identity than on credible evidence.
Some Banyamulenge representatives emphasize that being Banyamulenge should never be considered a reason for suspicion or detention. They argue that every individual should be held accountable only for their own actions, based on the law and principles of fair justice.
MCN has learned that the two Banyamulenge young men currently detained at Bunia Central Prison include:
- Augustin Ndayizeye
- Corneille Richard
There are also reports that another Banyamulenge man identified as Nzabonimpa is being held in the same prison after being arrested at an earlier date. He is also reportedly facing allegations related to mobile money transfer activities.
Families of the detainees are calling on relevant authorities to conduct a lawful investigation and to ensure that anyone who has no proven criminal responsibility before the courts is released.
This issue is not the first time it has been reported by Minembwe Capital News (MCN). The detention of Banyamulenge individuals in Bunia and other areas has previously been highlighted by MCN as part of efforts to bring attention to concerns raised by affected families and communities.
So far, administrative authorities in Ituri Province and security officials in the DRC have not issued an official detailed statement regarding this matter.
The Banyamulenge community continues to call for the rights of detainees to be respected, for fair judicial procedures to be followed, and for no individual to be arrested or punished because of their ethnic identity. They insist that all legal decisions should be based on credible evidence and established laws.
