The Congolese community living in the United States has issued an urgent appeal to the Mayor Eric Adams, requesting him to reconsider his participation as a guest speaker at a Democratic Republic of Congo government-sponsored event scheduled for today at the Jay Conference Center in Manhattan.
In a strongly-worded open letter obtained by Kivu News Today, representatives of Congolese survivors living in the United States expressed deep concern that Mayor Adams’ participation would constitute an official endorsement of what they describe as ongoing persecution against Tutsi and Banyamulenge ethnic communities in DRC.
The letter, signed by “The Congolese Community in the United States – Survivors from the Democratic Republic of Congo,” highlights a pattern of systematic violence that has plagued eastern Congo for decades.
Allegations of DRC Government-Backed Militia Violence:
The community alleges that extremist militias, armed and financed by the DRC government, have engaged in ethnic cleansing operations targeting their people. Specifically, they point to militia groups operating under the “Wazalendo” label in North and South Kivu provinces as perpetrators of these attacks.
“Your participation in this event would constitute an official endorsement of the inflammatory rhetoric, hate speech, and targeted campaigns that have resulted in crimes against Congolese Tutsi and Banyamulenge populations,” the letter states.
According to the community’s account, persecution against Tutsi and Banyamulenge populations has been ongoing since the 1990s, with thousands forced into exile since 1994 based solely on their ethnic identity. The United States has served as a refuge for many of these survivors since February 2000.
The timing of this appeal is particularly significant as it comes amid ongoing diplomatic efforts by the U.S. administration and international partners to de-escalate tensions in the region and find lasting solutions to the DRC’s protracted conflict.
Call for Solidarity with Victims:
The letter makes a direct appeal to Mayor Adams’ conscience, asking him to “stand with the victims rather than with a government that has orchestrated our displacement and persecution.”
The community argues that the Mayor’s presence at the event could inadvertently legitimize government actions and further endanger vulnerable populations still residing in eastern DRC.
Rather than participating in the government-sponsored event, the Congolese diaspora suggests Mayor Adams consider supporting peace-building initiatives that prioritize the protection of all Congolese citizens regardless of ethnic background.
As of publication time, Mayor Adams’ office has not responded to this community’s appeal. The DRC government event is scheduled to proceed as planned at the Jay Conference Center.
Kivu News Today will continue to monitor the situation and provide updates as they become available.
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