“The Banyamulenge Are Not the ‘Rwandans of Congo’ — They Are Congolese” — Muyaya
DRC government spokesperson Patrick Muyaya Katembwe has strongly rejected attempts to portray the Banyamulenge community as Rwandans living in Congo.
His statement follows controversial remarks by veteran Rwandan politician Tito Rutaremara, who described Banyamulenge as Rwandans and called on young people from the community to take up arms and help M23 “liberate Congo.”
Muyaya insisted that the Banyamulenge are Congolese like every other community in the DRC, accusing Rwanda of instrumentalizing their identity amid the conflict in eastern Congo.
He also argued that Rutaremara’s remarks raise serious questions about Rwanda’s role in the conflict and said Banyamulenge youth have no obligation to fight against their own country.
“They are Congolese, just like all the other communities in our country.” — Patrick Muyaya