Former FDLR Intelligence Official Bola Makes Serious Allegations, Accusing Burundi and the DRC of Planning the Extermination of Banyamulenge
Bola, a former senior official in the intelligence wing of the Democratic Forces for the Liberation of Rwanda (FDLR), has publicly released testimony containing serious allegations. He claims that a long-standing plan involving the FDLR, certain officials of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), and Burundi was designed to exterminate Tutsi communities in the region, particularly the Banyamulenge living in the highlands of Mulenge, Minembwe, and Ndondo in the Bijombo Groupement, before allegedly expanding to other parts of the region.
According to his testimony, the alleged plan was developed through cooperation among various groups and institutions. However, no independent investigation has yet confirmed or refuted these allegations. Given their gravity, there have been growing calls for a thorough, impartial, and independent investigation.
Those who made the testimony public have called on the International Criminal Court (ICC) to open an independent investigation to establish the truth of the allegations and determine whether any individuals or institutions bear responsibility. They further urged that, should evidence reveal crimes committed against civilians, those responsible be held accountable in accordance with international law.
In his testimony, Bola also urged the people of the Democratic Republic of the Congo to refrain from participating in or supporting any campaign based on ethnic hatred or one that incites violence. He emphasized that history has repeatedly shown such actions to cause immense suffering, claim countless lives, and devastate communities without providing any lasting solution.
The testimony further stresses that the protection of civilians, respect for international human rights law, and compliance with international humanitarian law should remain the highest priorities, particularly as eastern DRC continues to face serious security challenges and armed conflict.
Bola delivered this testimony during an interview with members of the media in Kigali, Rwanda, at the end of last week.
According to information available to us, the interview was conducted with Gen. Freddy Ibingira at the Unity Club in Kigali.
