Rwanda’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Ambassador Martin Ngoga, presented to the UN Security Council key dates marking atrocities committed against the Banyamulenge, which demonstrate an intent to exterminate them. These crimes include killings, starvation, burning of homes, and blocking all means of survival.
He made these remarks during a session of the United Nations Security Council that was examining the situation in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), particularly in South Kivu Province.
Amb. Ngoga stated that violations of the ceasefire were committed by the Government of the Democratic Republic of Congo, adding that this government had continued with the same agenda, as reflected in statements made by some of its leaders that carried hostile and dangerous intentions.
He emphasized that what is currently happening in South Kivu should not be ignored by the Security Council, noting that many civilians continue to lose their lives, and that these acts have been ongoing for some time particularly targeting Congolese Tutsi Banyamulenge who speak Kinyarwanda.
He said he wished to draw attention to the serious challenges facing the Banyamulenge, stressing that what they are being subjected to is heartbreaking and clearly aimed at their extermination.
He pointed out that since 2017, about 85% of areas inhabited by the Banyamulenge in South Kivu Province have been destroyed. In addition, around 700,000 of their cattle on which they traditionally depend for their livelihoods have been looted or killed.
Amb. Ngoga then highlighted key dates on which atrocities were committed against the Banyamulenge. Among them is 16 October 2025, when the only road leading to the Mitamba market was blocked, severely restricting the movement of food supplies.
On 6 September 2025, between 80 and 100 Banyamulenge civilians, mostly women returning home with food for their families were ambushed by FARDC soldiers, together with Burundian forces and Mai-Mai militia fighters. Some were killed, others tortured, and several were raped.
On 29 September 2025, as well as on other dates, drone attacks were carried out, targeting camps housing Banyamulenge civilians in the Mikenge area.
On 27 September 2025, a CH-4 drone belonging to the Burundian army fired on the Nzibira area in South Kivu Province.
Meanwhile, on 15 November 2025, drones operated by fighters aligned with the Kinshasa government fired bombs once again in the Mikenge area, where Banyamulenge populations had already been displaced from their homes.
Ambassador Martin Ngoga informed the UN Security Council that from February to December this year, the area has been subjected to a total of 50 aerial attacks.
RADIOTV10
