Muyaya on France 24: DRC Will Win War, Genocide Must Be Recognized

Paris, France – On France 24, Patrick Muyaya, the Congolese government's spokesman and Minister of Communication, defended Kinshasa’s strategy in the face of the ongoing war in eastern DRC.

Nine months after declaring that “the war will be won,” Muyaya reiterated that the DRC is determined to prevail against the M23 rebellion, which he again linked to Rwanda’s army. He accused Kigali of continuing a “macabre work” in Rutshuru and recalled the latest reports from Human Rights Watch documenting the massacre of 140 Hutu civilians in July.

"These are proofs of what we consider genocide,” Muyaya said.

On Wazalendo

Muyaya clarified that the Wazalendo (patriots) emerged as a response to Rwanda’s attacks:

Rwanda cannot forbid the Congolese from defending their own country. But we will integrate only those who meet strict standards and exclude anyone who has committed human rights abuses.”

He insisted that the government is channeling this citizen mobilization into a formal “army reserve,” while calming tensions in places like Uvira, where protests erupted over the appointment of General Gacita.

On Joseph Kabila

Asked about the trial of former president Joseph Kabila, Muyaya avoided speculation:

“It is not for me to comment on judicial decisions. But everyone knows he has obligations under the law for former heads of state. If he has been complicit with rebels, justice must do its work.”

On Genocide Recognition

The strongest part of the interview came when the minister addressed President Tshisekedi’s appeal for the UN to recognize the genocide against Congolese civilians.

“For 30 years, the world has known about massacres and massive human rights violations. This is not just about recognition. It is about memory. It is about never again.”

He explained that Kinshasa has launched the FONAREV reparations fund, financed by mining revenues, and has started an international campaign, beginning in Geneva, to ensure the atrocities in eastern Congo are officially recognized as genocide.

Closing

Muyaya’s message was clear: the DRC is fighting for sovereignty, for justice, and for dignity. And Kinshasa wants the international community to finally stop ignoring the horror endured by millions of Congolese civilians.