Banyamulenge Reject Rwanda’s Call to Attack Congo

Banyamulenge voices and advocacy groups have strongly condemned Tito Rutaremara’s remarks at the Gatumba massacre commemoration in Kigali (around 13–14 August 2026), rejecting his framing of the community as “Rwandans” (or “Banyarwanda of Congo”), his dismissal of the name “Banyamulenge,” and his calls for them to take up arms, attack/help liberate Congo (including references linked to supporting M23).

These reactions emphasize Congolese identity, oppose instrumentalization for external agendas or armed conflict against the DRC, and stress that justice for Gatumba and community security must occur within the DRC rather than through war or foreign mobilization. Key points from community statements and individuals include:

Core criticisms of the speech

• Denial of distinct Congolese identity: Speakers and groups rejected the claim that Banyamulenge are essentially Rwandans (or should identify primarily as such). They argue this language mirrors long-standing narratives used in the DRC to portray them as foreigners, which has historically fueled discrimination, displacement, and violence. The name “Banyamulenge” is defended as affirming roots and presence in South Kivu (linked to the Mulenge area/high plateaus), not as a rejection of Tutsi heritage or more distant origins.

• Incitement and lack of respect during mourning: Using a solemn memorial for victims of the 2004 Gatumba attack (where ~166 Banyamulenge refugees were killed) to urge youth to take up arms, “liberate Congo,” or join broader conflict was called provocative, humiliating, and inappropriate. Critics said it treats the community as a tool rather than honoring the dead.

• Instrumentalization and danger: Remarks are seen as exposing the community further—by reinforcing “foreigner” accusations from some Congolese extremists while pushing recruitment or alignment with groups like M23/proxies—amid ongoing eastern DRC conflict, Rwandan involvement allegations, and civilian risks in areas like Minembwe. Some explicitly note Rwanda’s role in aggression/occupation and reject being used as human shields or proxies.

Specific community and individual responses

• Banyamulenge Global Advocacy (BGA): Issued a clear condemnation. It said Rutaremara denigrated the community by mocking the name “Banyamulenge” (as referring only to a mountain/village) and directing people to call themselves Banyarwanda of Congo. BGA accused him of mobilizing Congolese Banyamulenge youth against their own government under the pretext of “freeing Congo.” It affirmed the Banyamulenge as a Congolese community that stands with the DRC government in condemning what it describes as Rwandan aggression, rejected instrumentalization for Kigali’s interests, and highlighted risks to civilians.

• GAKONDO (Coordination of Banyamulenge mutualities): Condemned the explicit call for young Banyamulenge to take up arms against the DRC as a violation of the spirit of the Washington peace process (aimed at ending hostilities and respecting sovereignty). It stated firmly: “The Banyamulenge are Congolese. Their future, their security and their legitimate quest for justice must be built within the Democratic Republic of the Congo, and not in a war against their own country.” It called for measures consistent with peace commitments, including addressing foreign forces and support to armed groups.

• Fidele Sebahizi and others labeling it hate speech: Described the “Rwandans of Congo” framing as pure hate speech that threatens social peace—identical in effect to rhetoric from certain Congolese politicians and armed actors that denies Congolese belonging. He stressed the community has already fought (and shed blood) against forced re-identification as Rwandans and that the Banyamulenge name “is written where it cannot be erased.” He called for a public apology.