International Alert: Girinka Calls on the UN, AU, and the International Community to Protect Banyamulenge and Tutsi Communities in Eastern DRC
As security continues to deteriorate across several areas of South Kivu and North Kivu provinces, Girinka Kabare William, a security analyst specializing in armed groups and regional conflicts in the Great Lakes Region, has issued a strong appeal on behalf of the Banyamulenge and other Tutsi communities living in the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC).
The message, published through Minembwe Capital News, contains an urgent appeal addressed to leaders of major international organizations and institutions, calling on them to take action regarding what he describes as the ongoing challenges affecting Tutsi communities, particularly the Banyamulenge of Minembwe.
In his statement, Girinka began by saying:
“Alert! An appeal for the protection of Tutsi communities in South Kivu and North Kivu, particularly the Banyamulenge, who say they continue to face targeted challenges in eastern Congo.”
Girinka stated that this message was addressed to the Secretaries-General of various international organizations, including:
The Secretary-General of the United Nations (UN) in New York, United States;
The Secretary-General of the European Union (EU) in Brussels;
The Secretary-General of the International Organization of La Francophonie (OIF) in Paris;
The Secretary-General of the Commonwealth in London;
The Chairperson of the African Union (AU) Commission in Addis Ababa;
As well as other international institutions involved in conflict resolution and the promotion of human rights.
He stated:
“Your Excellencies, despite the many pressing issues facing the world today, and given your influential roles on the international stage, we respectfully ask you to listen once again to the concerns of the Banyamulenge, who say they are facing grave dangers in eastern Congo, particularly in the Minembwe area.”
In his message, Girinka recalled that the Banyamulenge are Congolese citizens of Tutsi origin whose historical presence in the region, according to their accounts, is linked to border changes that occurred during the colonial era.
He stated that many Banyamulenge communities report having faced years of insecurity, including the destruction of villages, loss of livestock, and forced displacement.
According to his statement, many Banyamulenge have fled to neighboring countries and other parts of the world, including Europe, Asia, and the United States, while those who remain in the DRC continue to live under difficult conditions caused by conflict and instability.
Girinka further stated that since 2017, the Banyamulenge community has reported being affected by recurring armed conflicts and that military operations continue in the hills of Minembwe and surrounding areas.
He mentioned locations such as Bidegu, Rubemba, Kalingi, Gakenke, and Mikenke, where significant military activities have been reported, including drone strikes that are alleged to have affected civilians.
He emphasized that these issues require urgent attention from the international community in order to prevent civilians from continuing to suffer the consequences of a conflict that has persisted for many years.
In his statement, Girinka also criticized various peace initiatives, including those held in Luanda, Addis Ababa, Doha, and Washington, arguing that they have not yet produced effective solutions to the security challenges facing eastern Congo.
He called for the crisis to be addressed through political dialogue and mutual understanding among all stakeholders, ensuring that all Congolese citizens, including the Banyamulenge, enjoy equal rights and protections.
Girinka argued that one of the major challenges in eastern Congo is the spread of ethnic hatred and discrimination rooted in historical and regional tensions.
He noted that Kinyarwanda-speaking communities, particularly Tutsi populations in South Kivu and North Kivu, frequently report being subjected to rhetoric and actions that place them at risk.
He also recalled the international principles established after the Second World War and following genocides that have occurred in different parts of the world, urging the international community not to remain indifferent to security and human rights concerns that could contribute to further humanitarian crises.
In concluding his message, Girinka Kabare William called on international leaders to use their authority and influence to help find lasting solutions to the insecurity affecting eastern Congo.
He stressed that the time has come for the international community to listen to the voices of those who say they have spent many years seeking protection and assistance, emphasizing that sustainable peace can only be achieved through justice, mutual respect, and equal rights for every citizen.
He concluded by stating:
“The time has come to assist those who are in danger. Remaining silent in the face of injustice can also contribute to the continuation of suffering. We hope that the international community will use its wisdom and experience to help achieve lasting peace in eastern Congo.”
Girinka Kabare William is an analyst of Great Lakes Region affairs, particularly developments in the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo, where he frequently provides commentary and analysis on security, political, and human rights issues affecting the region.
