On October 10, 1996, the then vice-governor of South Kivu issued a chilling ultimatum to the Banyamulenge community leave within six days or face the burning of their homeland, with them in it. Nearly three decades later, history seems to be repeating itself.
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On February 5, 2025, Jean Jacques Elakano, the current vice-governor of South Kivu, made a concerning declaration while in Baraka, Fizi territory. He announced his mission: “to organize resistance against the Banyarwanda enemies coming down from North Kivu.”
Just five days later, on February 10, 2025, the Congolese army (FARDC) acted on these words. Troops launched an offensive on Minembwe from Mikenke in the north, advancing through Nyarubira, Mutunda, and Bijumba before converging on Kalingi village. Meanwhile, soldiers stationed at the Mikenke camp, alongside their Mai-Mai Mutetezi allies, reportedly seized over 30 cows from Banyamulenge herders heading to Mikalati for grazing.
Mikenke, once home to a MONUSCO-guarded camp for displaced Banyamulenge, is now a place of fear. The camp’s residents have fled into the forest, uncertain of their fate. In the same region, a Bembe village remains under the protection of the Mai-Mai Mutetezi militia.
With the FARDC’s military operation underway, fears are mounting over the safety of civilians. As Hon. @MoiseNyarugabo warns, “We fear for the lives of all these civilians when soldiers return from operations.”The situation in South Kivu is dire. Without urgent intervention, history may once again bear witness to tragedy.
