M23 and Rwanda Are Not Fighting for the Banyamulenge Community
Understanding Akagara
Historically, Akagara was a place where people gathered to discuss and solve problems, similar to Agatorero. However, some individuals today have redefined it to mean someone who betrays their own people or supports General Masunzu or the Congolese government. This misrepresentation distracts us from the real issues facing our community.
TWIRWANEHO: From Local Defense to Rebellion
Originally, TWIRWANEHO was a self-defense group formed to protect the Banyamulenge community from government attacks and external threats. Any peace-loving person should support such a cause.
However, TWIRWANEHO has now shifted its purpose. Under the leadership of Sematama, it has allied with M23, effectively transforming it from a local defense force into a rebel group. This alliance now gives the Congolese government justification to attack TWIRWANEHO, further endangering our community.
Yes, we acknowledge that the Congolese government has failed in its duty to protect us. But aligning with M23, which is backed by Rwanda—an enemy of our people and country—is not the solution. M23 is not fighting for us; they are fighting for control over Congo’s mineral wealth. And if M23 is eventually defeated, which is likely, it will further damage the Banyamulenge community’s reputation and relationships with other Congolese communities.
Misplaced Loyalties and the Lessons of History
It is crucial to remember that General Masunzu is not our enemy. Many forget that Col. Makanika, whom we now see as a hero, was once shaped and supported by General Masunzu himself. This reminds us that our community must look at history critically rather than follow misleading narratives.
Some argue that we have no choice but to join M23 to bring peace, despite knowing that M23 originated from the FPR. However, history has shown us that Rwanda has never fought for us. When the FPR took control of Rwanda in 1994, they received significant help from Uganda and Banyamulenge soldiers. But how did they repay us? They did not return the favor by helping us gain power; instead, they have used our name and identity for their own benefit.
If M23 truly cared about our people, why did they kill General Nicolas Kibinda, a Banyamulenge leader, in 1996? Instead of helping our community, they left us with a damaged reputation among other Congolese.
The Bigger Picture: Our Identity and Future
We must not allow ourselves to be used as pawns in Rwanda’s war for minerals. The reality is simple: We are Congolese, and we must find ways to coexist with other Congolese communities peacefully. Yes, our government has neglected us, but that does not mean we should abandon our identity and side with Rwanda.
This war is like a family dispute—if your uncle and your father are fighting, you don’t automatically side with your uncle and turn against your own family. We must prioritize our people’s long-term security and stability rather than allow ourselves to be manipulated by foreign interests.
I encourage everyone to do their own research rather than rely on Rwandan media or family narratives. We must think critically and learn from history so that we do not repeat past mistakes. Let’s work toward a future where we can live in peace and dignity as Congolese.🇨🇩
(By Anonymous Sender)