After years in exile, journalist Bonfils Gapangwa Muhumure, known by many as BMC has returned to the Democratic Republic of Congo, expressing renewed hope for the future of his community. Once a refugee in Kenya, Gapangwa is now living once again in eastern Congo, where he says he is encouraged by the efforts of the Alliance Fleuve Congo/M23 movement, which he believes is gradually restoring peace to areas long affected by conflict.
Gapangwa, the founder of BMC Radio and TV, is a prominent voice in the Banyamulenge community. Speaking to KivuPride, he said the stabilization being brought about by AFC/M23 in parts of North and South Kivu has given displaced people like him a reason to return and rebuild. He acknowledged that many Congolese still misunderstand the intentions of the movement, but for him and others who have suffered years of displacement, the sense of security being established is a turning point.
His return follows years of resilience and struggle. Born and raised in Mulenge, South Kivu, Bonfils started his media journey in 2010 while completing high school in Baraka, a Bembe-dominated area. He first worked with RCMF Radio, where he was invited to represent Banyamulenge voices on community programs. That moment marked the beginning of a journey that would later define his identity.
His passion eventually led to the creation of BMC (Banyamulenge Movies and Culture), a YouTube platform aimed at showcasing Banyamulenge life, culture, and dialogue. What began as an idea inspired by a film project evolved into a broader mission: building a media space where his people could be seen and heard.
But exile was not easy. After fleeing to Kenya in 2016, Gapangwa struggled to survive. His first job in Nairobi was as a night guard—a position he held for three months before attempting to launch a fabric business in Mombasa, which ultimately failed. Still, he never let go of his media dream. He returned to Nairobi, joined forces with colleagues like Sultan and Rusaku, and revived his journalism work. Though his partners later branched out to create their platforms, Gapangwa remained consistent in his mission.
During Iwacu2Night, a major cultural event held in Nairobi on December 1, 2023, Gapangwa addressed the audience with honesty and concern. He expressed his disappointment that many in the Banyamulenge community still don’t value the role of journalism, despite its power in shaping the world. “Our people have not yet recognized the importance of media, but media is among the forces that lead the world,” he said. The event, which drew large crowds from the Banyamulenge diaspora and their Kinyarwanda-speaking friends, was so successful that it is now expected to become a monthly gathering.
Today, from his new base in eastern Congo, Bonfils Gapangwa continues to advocate for the empowerment of his people through storytelling and digital media. His journey from Mulenge to Baraka, Nairobi, Mombasa, and back to Congo is a powerful testimony of resilience, cultural pride, and the unshakable belief in the power of truth.
