A staff member of the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) based in South Kivu, eastern Democratic Republic of Congo, has condemned the ongoing restrictions imposed on the peopke of Minembwe by Burundian troops, who have reportedly prevented them from accessing local markets.
Speaking to Minembwe Capital News on the evening of Sunday, November 2, 2025, the Red Cross worker stated that the people of Minembwe, like all other people, have an inherent right to live and to enjoy equal treatment without discrimination or the need to plead for their basic rights.
“The decision to close markets is a very serious issue. It constitutes a violation of human rights, in addition to the indiscriminate killings taking place,” the Red Cross official said.
He reminded that international humanitarian law particularly the laws governing armed conflict clearly stipulates that “civilians living in areas controlled by armed groups have the right to live” and must be granted full access to humanitarian assistance.“
People in Minembwe must be treated like any other people because they too have the right to live,” he emphasized, adding that the community’s call for fair treatment is not an appeal for mercy but an assertion of their legitimate rights under international law.
He further cited the Geneva Conventions of 1949 and their Additional Protocols of 1977, which affirm the protection and equality of civilians during conflict situations.According to the humanitarian worker, roads, markets, and humanitarian corridors should be reopened immediately and managed without any form of discrimination based on ethnicity, religion, or appearance. “International human rights organizations must take urgent action to address this situation,” he urged.
Since February 2025, residents in Minembwe have been unable to access local markets following the joint closure of the Mulima and Bijombo routes by Burundian and Congolese (FARDC) forces.
The Mulima route had served as a vital supply channel for goods from Baraka in Fizi and other parts of the territory, while the Bijombo route connected Minembwe with Uvira, Bukavu, and other areas of South Kivu.As a result, Minembwe residents now face acute shortages of essential commodities such as soap, salt, cooking oil, sugar, and fuel.
In addition to sealing off the roads, the Burundian and Congolese armies have reportedly established several military positions at the entrances of Minembwe and Mikenke areas largely inhabited by the Banyamulenge where civilians are allegedly subjected to harassment and other abuses.These positions have been identified in Birarombili, Gitashya, Gipupu, Mikarati, Point Zero, Nyamara, and other surrounding locations.
