New York — Representatives of the Tutsi-Banyamulenge and Hema communities from eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) have formally petitioned the United Nations, urging expanded investigations into what they describe as systematic persecution, mass killings, and potential genocidal acts committed against their populations since 2017.
In a detailed memorandum addressed to the President of the UN Human Rights Council, the President of the UN Security Council, and UN Secretary-General António Guterres, the communities called for an inclusive and impartial interpretation of the mandate of the Commission of Inquiry established under UN resolutions S-37/1 (February 2025) and 60/22 (October 2025).
The document was also copied to senior UN legal and genocide prevention officials, including Under-Secretary-General for Legal Affairs Elinor Hammarskjöld and Special Adviser on the Prevention of Genocide Chaloka Beyani.
Call for Expanded Mandate
At the center of the petition is a demand that the UN formally interpret the term “eastern DRC” to include North Kivu, South Kivu, and Ituri provinces—areas where the communities say armed violence, ethnic targeting, and mass atrocities are most severe.
Citing precedents from UN inquiries in Darfur, Myanmar, and Ethiopia, the authors argue that territorial references in investigative mandates must be interpreted functionally, covering all regions where violations occur.
“Any restrictive interpretation that excludes Ituri or the South Kivu Highlands would violate the principle of equality of victims and non-discrimination,” the memorandum states, referencing international human rights treaties including the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights and the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights.
Allegations of Mass Killings and Forced Displacement
The memorandum outlines extensive allegations of violence against the Tutsi-Banyamulenge in South Kivu and North Kivu and against the Hema community in Ituri.
In the South Kivu Highlands—particularly in Uvira, Fizi, and Mwenga territories—the authors claim more than 2,000 Banyamulenge civilians have been killed since 2017, over 450 villages destroyed, and more than 500,000 head of cattle looted. They allege these attacks were carried out by Mai-Mai militias, supported by Burundian armed groups such as Red Tabara and in coordination with elements of the Congolese armed forces (FARDC).
In North Kivu’s Masisi, Rutshuru, and Nyiragongo territories, as well as Kalehe in South Kivu, the memorandum reports that hundreds of Tutsi villages have been burned, more than 1,000 civilians killed, and tens of thousands displaced since 2022. Armed groups named include Wazalendo militias, Nyatura factions, and the Democratic Forces for the Liberation of Rwanda (FDLR), allegedly operating with support or acquiescence from state forces.
One of the most severe incidents cited is the October 2023 destruction of Nturo village in Masisi territory, where more than 300 homes were burned, civilians killed or kidnapped, and livestock looted during attacks attributed to a coalition of FARDC, Wazalendo, Nyatura, FDLR, and Burundian forces.
“These genocidal acts, publicly claimed by militias, form part of a pattern of extermination,” the memorandum asserts.
Hema Community Targeted in Ituri
In Ituri province, particularly in Djugu and Irumu territories, the Hema community reports the loss of approximately 2,050 members since 2017. Entire villages have reportedly been burned, cattle looted, and populations displaced during attacks attributed to the Cooperative for the Development of Congo (CODECO) militia.
The petitioners express particular concern that CODECO has since been integrated into the Congolese government’s Armed Defense Reserve (RAD), receiving weapons and support despite ongoing allegations of atrocities against civilians, including attacks on internally displaced persons’ camps.
Allegations of State Complicity
The memorandum repeatedly alleges complicity or acquiescence by the Congolese armed forces (FARDC) and, in some cases, Burundian military units. It references reports by the UN Joint Human Rights Office (UNJHRO) and MONUSCO that, according to the authors, document state involvement or failure to protect civilians.
The document cites international legal standards on state responsibility, arguing that such actions engage the responsibility of the DRC under international law.
Siege and Humanitarian Crisis in Minembwe
One of the most urgent concerns raised is the alleged siege of Banyamulenge communities in the Minembwe area of South Kivu. The memorandum claims that Congolese and Burundian forces, alongside Wazalendo militias, have imposed a blockade cutting off access to food, medicine, and basic necessities.
The authors describe the situation as “genocide by starvation and suffocation,” alleging deaths from malnutrition, preventable diseases, and lack of medical care. They cite statements attributed to Burundian military officials acknowledging operations in the area, which they say violate international humanitarian law’s requirement to distinguish between civilians and combatants.
Rising Hate Speech and Incitement
The petition also highlights a surge in hate speech and incitement targeting Tutsi and Banyamulenge communities. It references warnings from former UNJHRO director Abdoul Aziz Thioye and a 2022 report by then-UN Special Adviser on the Prevention of Genocide Alice Wairimu Nderitu, who identified early warning indicators of genocide.
The authors note that during the 2023 election campaign, inflammatory rhetoric intensified and that the European Union sanctioned Congolese politician Justin Bitakwira in December 2022 for inciting ethnic hatred.
Legal Requests to the UN
The communities are requesting several clarifications and actions from the Human Rights Council, including:
- Confirmation that Tutsi-Banyamulenge and Hema victims will be included on an equal basis in investigations.
- Clear acknowledgment that state actors can be held accountable when evidence shows participation or failure to prevent abuses.
- Coordination between the Commission of Inquiry and African regional bodies, including the African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights and the East African Court of Justice.
- Retroactive expansion of the investigation’s temporal mandate to January 1, 2017.
They also urge the UN to allocate sufficient resources and security guarantees to enable investigators to access affected communities safely.
Appeal for International Action
In their conclusion, the signatories—representing platforms from North Kivu, South Kivu, and Ituri—state that the credibility of the Commission of Inquiry depends on inclusivity and impartiality.
“We reaffirm our confidence in the Human Rights Council’s commitment to universality, equality and justice,” the memorandum reads. “We remain available to provide additional documentation, verified testimonials, and legal briefs.”
The United Nations has not yet issued a public response to the memorandum. However, human rights observers say the petition adds to mounting international pressure on the UN to address the escalating violence and ethnic targeting in eastern DRC with greater urgency.
As conflict continues to destabilize the region, the Tutsi-Banyamulenge and Hema communities are now looking to the international community for recognition, protection, and accountability—warning that failure to act risks repeating some of the gravest tragedies in the history of Africa’s Great Lakes region.
