Members of the Banyamulenge community in South Kivu province, eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), have staged protests to denounce what they describe as serious and persistent human rights violations allegedly committed by Congolese government forces and various armed groups operating in the region.
According to community representatives, civilians in the Minembwe highlands have been subjected to targeted violence, including the destruction of homes, forced displacement, and restrictions on access to food, healthcare, and other basic services. They warn that the security situation has continued to deteriorate, leaving thousands of vulnerable people trapped in isolated areas with limited humanitarian assistance.
In their appeal, the protesters have specifically called on the United States and the international community to support the opening of a humanitarian corridor, which would allow safe and unhindered access for humanitarian aid to reach affected populations. They argue that such a corridor is urgently needed to prevent a further escalation of the humanitarian crisis, particularly among women, children, and the elderly.
The Banyamulenge community also urges international human rights organizations and diplomatic partners to independently investigate alleged abuses, ensure the protection of civilians, and press all parties to the conflict to respect international humanitarian law.
Eastern DRC has long been plagued by chronic insecurity, driven by the presence of numerous armed groups, intercommunal violence, and weak state authority. Despite repeated calls for peace and stabilization, local communities continue to bear the brunt of the conflict, with Minembwe remaining one of the most affected areas.
The protesters stress that without immediate international action, the humanitarian and security situation in Minembwe risks reaching a critical breaking point.
Kivu News Today
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