Joe Wilson Urges Félix Tshisekedi and Évariste Ndayishimiye to Halt Attacks on Banyamulenge
A senior U.S. lawmaker has urged regional leaders to end ongoing violence in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), as thousands of Banyamulenge and their supporters staged protests in the U.S. capital condemning attacks on their community.
Joe Wilson called on Félix Tshisekedi and Évariste Ndayishimiye to immediately halt military actions allegedly targeting Banyamulenge civilians in South Kivu province.
The appeal follows a demonstration on April 20 in Washington, D.C., where more than 4,000 protesters gathered to denounce what they described as continued attacks in Minembwe commune and nearby areas.
Organizers say the violence involves Congolese armed forces, Burundian troops, and local militias, including elements associated with the Wazalendo coalition. These claims could not be independently verified at the time of reporting.
Douglas G. Kabunda, head of the Mahoro Peace Association, which coordinated the protest, alleged that the humanitarian situation has significantly deteriorated.
“Killings have continued, and other methods such as starvation are being used. There are also reports of drone attacks affecting civilians and livestock. Hunger is now widespread,” he said.
Some commentators in the United States suggested the protests may reflect dissatisfaction with American support efforts, including refugee resettlement. However, Rep. Wilson stated that the primary objective of the demonstration was to draw attention to what protesters described as serious human rights violations.
He urged both Kinshasa and Gitega to respect peace agreements and take immediate steps to end hostilities.
“The violence must stop without delay. Regional leaders should honor peace commitments and prioritize stability,” Wilson said.
Protesters also called on the international community to ensure humanitarian access, reopen key routes to markets and healthcare, and support an independent investigation into alleged abuses in South Kivu.
Thousands of demonstrators in Nairobi, echoing calls for an end to attacks and immediate humanitarian access to communities in South Kivu’s high plateaus.
