Geneva, September 2025
A wave of violence continues to devastate eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), where ethnic minorities—particularly the Banyamulenge, Tutsi of North Kivu, and Hema of Ituri—face systematic persecution and mass atrocities. Despite extensive documentation and international legal efforts, the global response remains muted.
Since 2018, a Collective of Lawyers representing these communities has gathered detailed evidence of human rights violations committed by Congolese state forces and non-state armed groups, including the FDLR, Wazalendo, and CODECO. The situation, they warn, has escalated beyond sporadic conflict into what could amount to ethnic cleansing and crimes against humanity.
“We are witnessing the collapse of the rule of law,” one lawyer from the Collective stated. “Without international intervention, this cycle of violence will only deepen.”
Multiple Actors, Widening Conflict
The Collective’s latest findings—covering January to August 2025—reveal a disturbing collaboration between elements of the Congolese army (FARDC), local authorities, and foreign forces such as the Burundian military. This coalition has intensified operations in several regions, often targeting civilians based on ethnic identity.
In North Kivu, there has been a slight improvement under AFC/M23 control, offering some breathing room for intercommunity dialogue. But this is an outlier in an otherwise grim landscape.
Innocent Nteziryayo Coordinator of collective of Tutsi of North Kivu, Banyamulenge and Hema of Ituri, emphasized that despite filing legal cases nationally and internationally, “Justice is still being denied. Victims continue to suffer without recognition, protection, or redress.”
He called on the international community, media, and human rights organizations to break the silence.
Minembwe: Civilians Under Siege
The Banyamulenge in South Kivu’s Minembwe highlands remain surrounded and under attack. Since February, drone strikes and air raids have destroyed schools, hospitals, and even humanitarian aircraft. On the ground, joint offensives by FARDC, FDLR, Wazalendo, and Burundian troops have repeatedly targeted villages like Mikenke, Nyamurombwe, and Rugezi.
The Collective characterizes these attacks as part of a broader strategy of ethnic cleansing. In addition to loss of life and property, there have been reports of unlawful arrests and other inhumane acts
Uvira: Discrimination in Daily Life
In Uvira, ethnic discrimination is entrenched in civic life. Members of Tutsi and Banyamulengecommunities face arbitrary arrests, sexual violence, and public humiliation. Even funerals and military promotions have been blocked due to ethnicity.
A stark example occurred in August, when the funeral of Colonel Patrick Gisore and his wife was violently disrupted by militias—exposing the deep-rooted xenophobia in the region.
Ituri: A Rising Storm
In Ituri province, Hema civilians face increasing violence. FARDC units and CODECO militiashave reportedly coordinated attacks and distributed weapons, escalating a campaign that local observers say amounts to ethnic cleansing.
Genocidal Intent: Testimonies from Within
Newly obtained testimonies from former FDLR fighters confirm that weapons are being supplied by authorities in Kinshasa, and that plans exist to exterminate Tutsi populations and destabilize Rwanda.
The Collective argues that these acts meet the criteria for war crimes, crimes against humanity, and represent a serious risk of genocide.
A Call to Action at the UN
At the 60th Session of the Human Rights Council in Geneva, the Collective appealed urgently to the international community. Their demands include:
• Enforcing the Doha and Washington agreements.
• Providing international protection for civilians in Minembwe, Uvira, and Ituri.
• Supporting legal action against all perpetrators, including state actors.
• Promoting inclusive dialogue to dismantle ethnic hatred at its roots
