The leadership of the M23 movement has issued a statement expressing deep concern over the ongoing atrocities committed by the Kinshasa government against certain Congolese communities. While the international community largely remains silent, some major global powers continue to lend an ear to Kinshasa’s administration. However, M23 has made it clear that it will not tolerate these injustices any longer.
This statement follows increasing reports of human rights violations against the Banyamulenge, including persecution and killings based solely on ethnic identity.
According to M23 President Bertrand Bisimwa, these acts of violence escalated on Monday, March 3, 2025, when Burundian forces, in collaboration with the Democratic Republic of Congo’s army (FARDC), along with armed groups such as the FDLR and Wazalendo, launched coordinated attacks against the Banyamulenge.
Bisimwa highlighted that these attacks targeted individuals who had sought refuge in Uvira after fleeing Bukavu, a city recently seized by M23.
He stated:
“The reason for these assaults against Banyamulenge civilians is that the Congolese government falsely labels them as Rwandans.”
He further condemned the killings, saying:
“This massacre of unarmed civilians is intolerable and deeply tragic.”
Bisimwa warned that while the world may choose to remain silent in the face of these crimes, and while some major powers continue to listen to Kinshasa’s government, M23 will not stand idly by as innocent civilians are slaughtered.
“We will fulfill our responsibilities,” he asserted.
This statement comes in the wake of recent brutal attacks by Wazalendo, Burundian forces, FARDC, and the FDLR, which resulted in the killing of two Banyamulenge men, including Pastor Mathias and another victim identified as Kayani.
Beyond the killings, these groups reportedly burned down Banyamulenge homes in Minembwe, Bibogobogo, and Mikenke. As a result, many Banyamulenge have fled into the forests, while those who have attempted to return home have found their houses reduced to ashes.
