Uvira: Munyamulenge Man Dies After Alleged Brutal Assaults; Family Says He Was Targeted Because of His Ethnicity
MINEMBWE CAPITAL NEWS (MCN)
Information obtained by Minembwe Capital News from the deceased’s family and individuals familiar with the case indicates that a Munyamulenge man identified as Cyubahiro, widely known by the nickname “Chui,” has died after allegedly succumbing to injuries sustained during severe beatings reportedly carried out by Wazalendo fighters in the city of Uvira, South Kivu.
The deceased was known by many local residents as a man devoted to religious activities. He was particularly recognized for praying for the sick, and some people close to him said he was also regarded as having a spiritual gift of prophecy. Those who knew him describe him as someone who had no involvement in politics or military activities.
According to information provided to Minembwe Capital News, following the withdrawal of the AFC/M23 coalition from the city of Uvira on January 17, 2026, many members of the Banyamulenge community reportedly fled to Kamanyola in Walungu Territory, fearing for their safety. Chui, however, is said to have remained at his home, explaining that he could not abandon his house and personal belongings.
According to testimonies gathered from his family, after the return of the Armed Forces of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (FARDC) and allied groups to Uvira, Chui was allegedly found at his residence, where he was severely beaten. His family further claims that property from his home was taken during the incident.
His relatives say he was later found abandoned in critical condition before being taken by his family to Bujumbura, Burundi, where he received medical treatment.
After undergoing treatment, during which his condition reportedly improved, Chui decided to return to Uvira, while his wife and children remained in Bujumbura because of ongoing concerns about their safety.
The same sources report that after arriving in Uvira last Sunday, he was allegedly detained once again by Wazalendo fighters, who reportedly subjected him to another violent assault and took some of the belongings he had brought back from Bujumbura. Following this alleged attack, members of the Banyamulenge community transported him to a hospital in Uvira, where he continued receiving medical care.
This Saturday, Chui’s family announced his death, stating that he had succumbed to the injuries allegedly sustained as a result of these acts of violence.
His family says they know of no other reason that could explain the attacks against him apart from his identity as a member of the Banyamulenge community. They believe he was targeted because of his ethnic background and consider his case to be part of a broader pattern of incidents affecting Banyamulenge civilians in several areas of eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo.
Human rights organizations and several independent observers have continued to express concern over reported acts of violence and ethnically motivated hate speech in the region. They have called for independent investigations into abuses committed against civilians and urged that those responsible be held accountable.
This report is based on testimonies provided by the deceased’s family and other sources familiar with the case.
