International Organizations Urged to Intervene: 14 Banyamulenge youths who joined FARDC detained under unclear circumstances
The 14 Banyamulenge youths who recently distanced themselves from the Twirwaneho armed group and integrated into the FARDC army are being cried out for by their families and human rights defenders, following their arrest and detention in a manner that does not reveal their whereabouts or condition.
Reliable information from Bujumbura and from some family members shows that these civilians were arrested after withdrawing their support for the Twirwaneho group and joining the Armed Forces of the Democratic Republic of Congo (FARDC) at Ndondo, in the Bijombo area of Uvira Territory.
Names of the detained youths:
- Kelly Mugisha
- Muhizi Dieudonné
- Nzabakiza Moïse
- Makangata Espoir
- Mpoza Bonfils
- Mahirwe Albert
- Muragwa Merci
- Ndayisaba David
- Mugisha John
- Ngendahayo Serieux
- Bineza Espoir
- Mbananayo
- Muhire
- Muganirizi Bienvenu
According to those close to them, these youths were previously in the Twirwaneho group and wished to return to normal civilian life by joining state forces.
After leaving Minembwe, they headed to Ndondo, where they officially integrated into FARDC. They were then taken to Uvira. However, not long after their arrival, they were suddenly arrested, and no offence was announced to justify their detention.
On 09 December 2025, when AFC/M23 had just captured the city of Uvira, FARDC moved them to Bujumbura in Burundi. On 11 December 2025, verified reports from multiple sources indicated that the governments of Kinshasa and Burundi transferred them to be detained in Kinshasa.
To date, no information has been released about where they are being held, their condition, or when they might face trial—circumstances that have led their families to denounce what they describe as unexplained injustice.
One family member said:
“The Congolese government is worse than some rebel groups. A government is supposed to be like a parent, but this one behaves like the Mai-Mai: if you join it as a Munyamulenge, it kills you; and now the government is doing the same.”
Their families are calling on international human rights organizations—such as Human Rights Watch, Amnesty International, and other regional and global justice bodies—to take action aimed at:
identifying where the youths are being held
confirming whether their well-being is not at risk
demanding that they be given a fair and transparent trial if accused of any crime
addressing the ongoing ethnic violence and discrimination targeting Banyamulenge communities in Eastern Congo
According to testimonies from those who lived with them, the youths told FARDC they were eager to live peaceful civilian lives, and believed that leaving the rebel group was a step toward humanity and seeking peace. However, while expecting training and reintegration into civilian life, they were suddenly detained under unclear circumstances.
Detaining individuals without trial, failing to disclose their location, or providing details about their imprisonment violates the DRC constitution and international laws that protect human life and dignity. This is why families, human rights defenders, and residents of Minembwe are urging that this issue be brought before the international community before the situation worsens.
