“We Will Continue the Struggle He Fought For” — Bishop Musinga Reaffirms MRDP-Twirwaneho’s Commitment, Criticizes International Silence on Banyamulenge Concerns
As insecurity continues to affect the Mulenge Highlands and several parts of Minembwe in Fizi Territory, South Kivu Province, Bishop Rupande Musinga has once again spoken out on the long-standing security challenges facing the Banyamulenge community. He reaffirmed that the struggle led by MRDP-Twirwaneho will continue until what supporters describe as persistent injustices and security concerns are addressed.
In a recent interview with the media following a series of reported attacks in the Mulenge Highlands, particularly in and around Minembwe, Bishop Musinga stated that the movement initiated by Lieutenant General Michel Rukunda Makanika, the former leader of MRDP-Twirwaneho, would not end with his death.
Reflecting on the late commander’s legacy, Bishop Musinga emphasized that Makanika’s objectives remain alive among his followers. Lt. Gen. Michel Rukunda Makanika, one of the most prominent leaders of MRDP-Twirwaneho, was killed in February 2025 during a drone strike reportedly carried out by the Armed Forces of the Democratic Republic of Congo (FARDC) in the Gakangala area of Minembwe, according to reports from various parties at the time.
Speaking about his legacy, Bishop Musinga declared:
“We will continue the struggle that Afande fought for.”
Many observers interpreted these remarks as a message of determination to continue pursuing the goals championed by Makanika and to resist what supporters describe as threats to the security and rights of the Banyamulenge community.
“Whether the World Hears Us or Not, We Will Continue Fighting”
Bishop Musinga also expressed frustration with what he described as the international community’s response to the long-running conflict and humanitarian challenges in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo.
He stated:
“Whether the world listens to us or not, we will continue fighting until we defeat our enemies.”
In his remarks, those he referred to as adversaries include FARDC and allied armed groups involved in ongoing clashes in the Mulenge Highlands, including Wazalendo militias, the FDLR, and Burundian troops deployed in military operations alongside the government in Kinshasa.
According to Bishop Musinga, many Banyamulenge residents view these military operations as part of a broader campaign aimed at displacing them from their ancestral lands and undermining their security.
“If They Do Not Listen, They Will Be Made to Listen”
Bishop Musinga further argued that if the authorities in Kinshasa fail to address what he described as the fundamental concerns of the Banyamulenge community, military pressure would eventually force attention to those grievances.
He stated:
“If the government in Kinshasa does not listen to us, it will be made to listen through the rifles of MRDP-Twirwaneho fighters.”
His comments reflect growing frustration among some Banyamulenge leaders regarding political and mediation efforts that, in their view, have failed to deliver lasting solutions to the conflict.
“Twirwaneho Fighters Are Determined”
During the interview, Bishop Musinga strongly emphasized the determination of MRDP-Twirwaneho combatants to continue their military campaign.
He said:
“The sons of MRDP-Twirwaneho are fully committed. They are determined, and they know how to confront FARDC and its allies. They strike decisively and do not retreat. We will prevail.”
These statements underscore how some Banyamulenge leaders continue to view MRDP-Twirwaneho as a self-defense force at a time when they believe civilian security remains inadequate.
A Conflict That Has Lasted for Years
Since 2017, Minembwe and its surrounding areas have been the scene of recurring clashes involving armed groups and government forces. Throughout this period, thousands of civilians have been displaced, villages have been destroyed, schools and health facilities have been forced to close, and livestock-based livelihoods—the economic backbone of many Banyamulenge families—have been severely disrupted.
Many Banyamulenge families report having lost large numbers of cattle, which have traditionally represented both an economic asset and a central element of their cultural identity. Analysts and local observers argue that the destruction of livestock resources has had far-reaching consequences for the social and economic stability of the region.
Criticism of International Inaction
In his message, Bishop Musinga criticized what he described as international silence regarding the plight of the Banyamulenge community. He argued that despite years of reported killings, displacement, and repeated attacks, their concerns have not received sufficient attention from the international community.
According to Bishop Musinga, many Banyamulenge continue to rely on MRDP-Twirwaneho for protection. The movement is currently led by General Charles Sematama following the death of Lt. Gen. Michel Rukunda Makanika.
A Deeply Divided Debate
Bishop Musinga’s remarks come at a time of continued tension in the Mulenge Highlands, where reports of fighting and armed confrontations continue to emerge from various sources.
While supporters of MRDP-Twirwaneho view the group as a force defending vulnerable communities, others argue that a sustainable solution can only be achieved through political dialogue, reconciliation, and peaceful negotiations among all parties involved in the conflict.
Nevertheless, Bishop Musinga’s message highlights the continuing belief among a segment of the Banyamulenge community that their grievances have not been adequately addressed and that the conflict, which has persisted for many years, remains one of the most complex security and intercommunal challenges facing eastern Democratic Republic of Congo today.
