EASTERN DRC : TARGETED VIOLENCE AGAINST TUTSI, BANYAMULENGE, AND HEMA COMMUNITIES RAISES .

Bunia/Goma/Bukavu/Brussels/Paris — A coalition of lawyers representing the Tutsi, Banyamulenge, and Hema communities in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) has sounded the alarm over what it calls a « systematic campaign of ethnic violence » unfolding in North and South Kivu as well as Ituri Province.

Since 2017, these communities have reportedly faced a surge in targeted violence, including assassinations, arbitrary arrests, torture, village burnings, looting, and hate speech. According to the Collectif des Avocats des Parties Civiles, many of these acts constitute crimes against humanity and potential acts of ethnic cleansing. The group has filed multiple complaints and submitted evidence to the International Criminal Court (ICC).

Minembwe and Burundi : Mounting Threats Against Banyamulenge Civilians

The situation in Minembwe and surrounding areas has deteriorated rapidly. In a statement, the Collective highlighted concerns over combat drones deployed in Burundi, suggesting these may be used without safeguards to protect civilians.

In Uvira, weapons are reportedly being supplied to militias—including Wazalendo, the Imbonerakure, and the FDLR—groups accused of actively advocating for the eradication of Banyamulenge and broader Tutsi populations. These developments allegedly run counter to peace agreements reached in Doha and Washington, and the lawyers urged the Congolese government to move swiftly to disarm these militias.

Meanwhile, in Bujumbura, Mr. Ruboneka Laurent, a Munyamulenge and embassy employee, was arrested without charges or due process. A survivor of the 2004 Gatumba massacre, Ruboneka was forcibly extradited to Kinshasa without access to legal counsel—an act the lawyers described as « arbitrary and dangerous, » undermining trust-building efforts.

Ituri : Evidence of Collusion Between FARDC and CODECO Militia

The Collective has presented video and testimonial evidence suggesting direct collaboration between the Congolese army (FARDC) and the notorious CODECO militia, particularly in the Djugu region of Ituri Province.

On July 14, 2025, FARDC reportedly launched airstrikes on Hema villages in Djugu’s Losadrema area under orders from General Luboya, Ituri’s military governor. A day later, CODECO fighters massacred displaced Hema civilians at the Tchee site, just meters away from a FARDC base, without any military intervention.

Further attacks occurred on July 27 near Drodo parish, where 10 displaced persons were killed. MONUSCO peacekeepers stationed nearby allegedly failed to respond. On August 1, FARDC soldiers under Company Commander Kakule opened fire on civilians in the village of Rara.

The Collective has vowed to initiate legal proceedings against the military chain of command and denounced the destruction of civilian property, including the Catholic parish of Lopa, which was burned during a CODECO raid. Inflammatory remarks made by FARDC spokesperson Jules Ngongo, celebrating the attack and targeting Hema civilians on provincial radio, were also condemned.

Combating Hate Speech and Implementing Peace Accords

Despite international agreements condemning hate speech, the Collective stated that ethnic incitement continues in eastern DRC. It announced plans to publish a list of “Most Wanted Hate Speakers”, supported by documented evidence, with the aim of pressuring authorities to prosecute inciters of violence.

“All signatory parties to the Doha and Washington agreements must act,” the Collective urged, noting that hate speech is fueling intercommunal violence and undermining fragile peace efforts.

FDLR’s Role and State Involvement : Evidence Submitted to ICC

The Collective’s investigations have also revealed the ongoing involvement of the FDLR, a militia group composed primarily of Rwandan Hutu fighters, some of whom are remnants of those responsible for the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi in Rwanda.

According to field testimonies and recordings, the FDLR operates as a structured and heavily armed network, receiving logistical support and weaponry from certain FARDC elements. The lawyers believe this could only occur under high-level political and military directives—implying state complicity in crimes against humanity.

Among the most serious allegations are instructions to target and massacre Tutsis, as well as coercion of Hutu civilians in militia-controlled areas to pledge allegiance under threat of death. The Collective emphasized that such crimes have no statute of limitations and should be pursued in national and international courts.

Call for Justice and Accountability

The Collective of Lawyers, based in Bukavu, Bunia, Paris, Brussels, and the United Kingdom, has reiterated its commitment to pursuing legal justice for the victims and is calling on international institutions and governments to act swiftly.

Legal representatives Amedeo Kamota, Roger Logo, Léon Lef Forster, Claude Bagayamukwe, Brieuc Maingain, Bernard Maingain, and Innocent Nteziryayo signed the statement, urging action from the ICC and all signatories of the peace accords to hold perpetrators and enablers of mass atrocities accountable.