Congolese refugees residing in Nairobi, Kenya, staged a major protest condemning what they describe as ongoing killings and acts of violence targeting the Banyamulenge community in various parts of eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), particularly in Minembwe, Ndondo, Mikenke, and other areas of South Kivu and North Kivu.
Large crowds, mainly composed of Congolese refugees, took to the streets of Nairobi’s capital, expressing strong outrage over what they called continued atrocities against their community.
Chanting “Stop killing children, stop armed groups, Congolese Tutsi lives matter,” protesters carried placards demanding an immediate end to what they described as systematic attacks in North and South Kivu provinces. Many were draped in DRC flags and held photos of victims from recent clashes.
“We are here because our people are being slaughtered and the world is silent,” said Grace Bahati, a Nairobi-based student from Uvira. “The government that should protect us is working with militias that want us gone.”
The protest comes amid escalating conflict in eastern DRC. The AFC/M23 rebel group warned this week of an “imminent genocide” against Banyamulenge civilians in South Kivu, citing indiscriminate bombings in Uvira and Minembwe highlands. Burundi’s government reported over 30,000 people fled across Lake Tanganyika in three days following renewed fighting.
Targeted for ethnicity
Banyamulenge — Congolese Tutsi from South Kivu — say they face violence and hate speech due to perceived links to Rwanda. Human Rights Watch documented attacks during 2023 voter registration, where Banyamulenge were beaten and blocked from centers in Goma, Bukavu, and Uvira by “Wazalendo” youth groups. Victims were told: “Banyamulenge are Rwandans, they are not going to be registered.”
Former DRC planning minister Olivier Kamitatu recently condemned Wazalendo militias, a coalition supported by Kinshasa, for circulating threats of a “No Tutsi in Uvira” campaign. A viral audio message reportedly gave Tutsi communities 10 days to leave South Kivu.
“The Congolese government stands firm against hate speech,” President Felix Tshisekedi told the UN Human Rights Council in February. However, protesters in Nairobi say Kinshasa has failed to rein in allied militias.
The DRC accuses Rwanda of backing the M23 offensive that has displaced hundreds of thousands. Rwanda denies supporting the group. The UN has expressed concern about hate speech ahead of DRC elections.
Nairobi’s protest mirrors similar diaspora demonstrations at Congolese embassies in the US, UK, France, South Africa, and Canada. Organizers urged the international community to hold DRC authorities accountable and protect all citizens regardless of ethnicity.
“We want peace, not politics,” said protest organizer Jean-Claude Rugamba. “Our children in Minembwe are hiding in forests. This must stop.”
