The ongoing conflict in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DR Congo) is deeply intertwined with time, history, and ethnic identity. At the heart of the crisis is the M23 rebel group, which claims to be fighting against the persecution of ethnic Tutsis in DR Congo. However, regional analysts and international organizations, including the UN and the US, argue that the M23 has committed war crimes, casting doubt on its purported mission of defending Tutsis.
Historically, time has played a pivotal role in shaping the status of Tutsis and the Banyamulenge in DR Congo. The arbitrary colonial borders drawn in the 19th and 20th centuries split communities, leaving many Tutsis within DR Congo’s territory. Subsequent migrations, particularly in the mid-20th century and after the 1994 Rwandan genocide, increased their numbers. Despite their long presence, their Congolese identity has often been questioned, with waves of discrimination ranging from political exclusion to ethnic violence.
During the late 1990s and early 2000s, Congolese Tutsis were involved in Rwandan-backed rebellions, further deepening suspicions about their loyalty. Over time, discrimination escalated, with reports of ethnic killings, workplace bias, and hate speech. The Congolese government has alternated between recognizing and revoking Tutsi citizenship, fostering an environment of uncertainty.
Recent years have seen renewed tensions. Despite some Tutsis occupying high-ranking positions in the military, widespread prejudice persists. The UN has documented instances of ethnic hate, including the murder of Banyamulenge soldiers and inflammatory rhetoric on social media. Political leaders have contributed to this discourse, exacerbating divisions, especially during M23 uprisings.
The passage of time has not healed the rift but has instead entrenched suspicions. While President Félix Tshisekedi has acknowledged anti-Tutsi sentiment, the government downplays widespread persecution. Meanwhile, many Congolese Tutsis remain stateless or live in fear, accused of being Rwandan sympathizers despite ancestral ties to DR Congo.
For individuals like researcher Bukuru Muhizi and activist Muragwa Cheez Bienvenue, the struggle is personal and generational. Their families have faced targeted killings, job dismissals, and systemic prejudice. The perception that Tutsis are outsiders remains a dangerous narrative, fueling cycles of violence.
Time has yet to bring resolution. Instead, it has cemented the discrimination faced by Tutsis in DR Congo, leaving their fate uncertain in a conflict that shows no signs of abating.
