The persistent violence in the Eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) is a tragic reflection of the Congolese government’s failure to govern justly, secure its territory, and protect all its citizens.
Instead of addressing the root causes of this instability, Kinshasa has continuously deflected blame onto Rwanda, particularly President Paul Kagame. This dangerous narrative not only distorts reality but also exacerbates ethnic divisions, particularly the targeting of the Banyamulenge community.
The current crisis in Eastern DRC has deep historical roots, dating back to the wave of violence and mass displacement unleashed by the Rwandan genocide in 1994.
Following the refugee exodus, which harboured the forces responsible for the genocide (Interahamwe, ex-FAR) and made Rwanda’s western border insecure, the Rwandan government played a key role in the 1996 Banyamulenge/Tutsi-led rebellion in the then eastern Zaire.
Uganda and Burundi also backed this rebellion, ultimately leading to Mobutu Sese Seko’s overthrow. Laurent-Désiré Kabila, initially seen as a promising new leader, soon demonstrated authoritarian tendencies, further complicating the stability of the region.
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These historical dynamics continue to shape the present-day conflicts, yet the Congolese government remains reluctant to acknowledge its own role in perpetuating the instability.
For decades, the Banyamulenge—a Tutsi-looking ethnic group with deep historical roots in the Kivu region—have been subjected to systematic discrimination, disenfranchisement, and violence. Successive Congolese governments have refused to acknowledge their full citizenship rights, treating them as foreigners despite their longstanding presence in the region.
This exclusionary stance has fostered an environment where armed groups such as the Democratic Forces for the Liberation of Rwanda (FDLR), a remnant of the genocidal forces that fled Rwanda after 1994, continue to commit atrocities against the Banyamulenge with impunity.
Kinshasa’s unwillingness to dismantle these extremist militias is a testament to its selective application of justice and security measures. Rather than dismantling the networks that fuel conflict, the government allows them to persist while using Rwanda as a convenient scapegoat.
This deflection serves to cover up its own governance failures and lack of political will to create an inclusive national identity that respects all Congolese communities equally.
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DRC has over 130 militia and armed rebel groups operating across the country. Why is that Rwanda’s problem? The reality is that the Congolese state has been unable to exert control over its own territory.
The government and its partners must strengthen the state institutions, including the national army, which must be inclusive and capable of delivering security and stability. Without a well-trained and impartial military force, peace will remain elusive, and armed groups will continue to exploit governance vacuums.
The current crisis cannot be resolved through propaganda or international sympathy garnered by demonising Rwanda. It requires the DRC government to take ownership of its internal issues and actively work towards sustainable peace.
This means ensuring that the Banyamulenge are recognised as Congolese citizens with equal rights, dismantling armed groups like the FDLR, and committing to inclusive governance that protects all ethnic groups from persecution.
Additionally, regional mechanisms should be strengthened to de-escalate tensions and foster cooperation rather than conflict. The East African Community (EAC), Southern African Development Community (SADC), and African Union (AU) must urge the DRC leadership to implement meaningful reforms instead of perpetuating divisive rhetoric that fuels further bloodshed.
The time for excuses is over. DRC must abandon its strategy of scapegoating Rwanda and take full responsibility for the security of its citizens, including the Banyamulenge. Only through genuine political and security reforms can the region hope for lasting peace.
John Kitoka is an independent research consultant and writer on socio-economic and political affairs based in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania. He’s available at kitoka2000@gmail.com. The opinions expressed here are the writer’s own and do not necessarily reflect those of The Chanzo. If you are interested in publishing in this space, please contact our editors at editor@thechanzo.com.
