USA: Banyamulenge Community Urges Washington to Intervene in Ongoing Attacks in Eastern DRC

Kigali, November 18, 2025 - The Banyamulenge community in the United States is appealing to American authorities to intervene and protect their relatives who remain under attack in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). The request was published in an open letter by the Mahoro Peace Association, addressed to top U.S. officials including the Secretary of State and members of Congress such as Marco Rubio.

According to the organization’s leader, Douglas Kabunda, the Banyamulenge living in the mountainous areas of Fizi, Uvira, and Mwenga have faced continuous attacks since 2017, reportedly carried out by the DRC national army (FARDC).

Kabunda stated that Banyamulenge-populated areas in South Kivu are encircled by more than 58 military bases, where soldiers allegedly prevent civilians from accessing markets, healthcare, and humanitarian assistance.

He added that houses and crops have been burned, and drone strikes by FARDC and Burundian forces continue to hit civilian zones as of November 2025, despite the Doha ceasefire agreement.

Kabunda also recalled that on November 12, the spokesperson of the Burundian military, Brig. Gen. Gaspard Baratuza, publicly admitted the blockade of Minembwe, accusing its inhabitants of collaborating with armed groups. Kabunda warned that failing to distinguish civilians from combatants constitutes serious violations of international law, including war crimes, crimes against humanity, and genocide, given that the Banyamulenge are a targeted ethnic group.

The Mahoro Peace Association is urging the U.S. government to pressure for an end to the blockade, the reopening of supply routes, and the withdrawal of Burundian forces from eastern DRC. The organization is also calling for an independent international commission to investigate alleged war crimes, crimes against humanity, and acts of genocide in the region.

Kabunda noted that military officers from Burundi and the DRC involved in the siege and starvation of Banyamulenge communities could face sanctions, including asset freezes and travel bans to the United States.

From November 23 to 28, members of the Banyamulenge diaspora in the United States are expected to hold protests to amplify their appeal to U.S. leaders.