The withdrawal of AFC/M23 from Uvira has left the city dangerously exposed, plunging it into a new wave of violence carried out by Wazalendo and FDLR militias, supported, formed, and financed by Tshisekedi’s criminal regime.
As the world observes the persecution of Congolese Tutsis, particularly the Banyamulenge community, in Uvira following the entry of Wazalendo and FDLR, the Kinshasa regime’s response has been tragically predictable.
Instead of addressing the atrocities unfolding on the ground, Tshisekedi’s mouthpiece, Patrick Muyaya, once again shifted blame to Rwanda and AFC/M23, deflecting responsibility away from the actors now terrorizing civilians.
This pattern of propaganda is no longer subtle. Patrick Muyaya’s campaign of misinformation targeting Rwanda, AFC/M23, the Tutsis of North Kivu, and the Banyamulenge of South Kivu has been thoroughly exposed. Publicly, he presents himself as a voice of reason and peace. In reality, his rhetoric fuels hatred, denial, and impunity. His words may be wrapped in diplomacy, but their consequences are measured in blood.
Muyaya’s statement on Uvira is a textbook example of diversion. Rather than responding to the looting, assassinations, and widespread terror unleashed after the withdrawal of AFC/M23, an exit in good faith, Muyaya recycled familiar accusations against Rwanda. In doing so, he absolved the armed groups backed by Kinshasa, despite overwhelming evidence that these militias have brutally attacked civilians since assuming control of the city.
Today, Uvira is far from being “liberated,” despite official claims from the regime. Wazalendo militias and FDLR elements continue to kill civilians after looting their homes, churches, and personal property. Entire communities live in fear, abandoned by a state that celebrates victory while ignoring suffering.
The violence is accompanied by an alarming surge in hate speech. Radicalized youth and militia supporters, emboldened by the withdrawal of AFC/M23, are openly spreading messages calling for violence against Congolese Tutsis.
On social media and in certain media outlets, Banyamulenge are told they do not belong, ordered to “return to Rwanda,” and stripped verbally and politically of their Congolese citizenship.
This is not incidental. When a state relies on militias that promote an ideology of hatred based on ethnic identity or physical appearance, it does more than tolerate violence it legitimizes it.
Such policies and narratives create conditions that carry unmistakably genocidal characteristics. Uvira stands today as a warning.
Tshisekedi regime must stop misleading and manipulating people, the world has witnessed what they have done in Uvira since last Sunday.
ellenkampire