CANBERRA, Australia — Hundreds of members of the Banyamulenge and Congolese Tutsi diaspora gathered in Australia’s capital on Friday to draw international attention to the ongoing security and humanitarian challenges affecting their communities in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).
The peaceful demonstration, organized by the Banyamulenge Congolese Community of Australia (BCCA) and the Kinyarwanda Speaking Congolese Community (KSCC), moved through central Canberra, passing key landmarks including the Australian Parliament, the United States Embassy, and the Belgian Embassy.
Participants carried banners and messages calling for peace, justice, and greater protection for civilians affected by years of conflict in eastern Congo. Representatives from both organizations delivered written appeals to diplomatic officials, urging increased international engagement to address the humanitarian situation and support lasting peace efforts in the region.
Community leaders said the march was intended to raise awareness about the continued violence, displacement, and insecurity experienced by Banyamulenge and Congolese Tutsi communities in parts of North and South Kivu provinces.
Speaking during the event, BCCA President Birori Zawadi Munyaruhanga called for stronger international action to help safeguard vulnerable populations and promote stability in the region.
“We are asking for justice, peace, and the right to live in safety like every other community,” he said.
Munyaruhanga also expressed solidarity with members of the Banyamulenge community who remain in the DRC, encouraging them to remain resilient despite the challenges they face.
KSCC President Innocent Amini Yuhi said Canberra was chosen as the location for the demonstration because it offers an opportunity to bring the community’s concerns directly to policymakers and diplomatic representatives.
He noted that delegations delivered written statements to both the U.S. and Belgian embassies and emphasized the important role diaspora communities can play in raising awareness about developments in eastern Congo.
Organizers also highlighted the growing influence of social media as a tool for advocacy, public engagement, and mobilizing international support for affected communities.
The demonstration took place amid continuing concerns about security conditions in the Minembwe highlands and other areas of eastern DRC, where ongoing war has contributed to displacement, humanitarian hardship, and civilian suffering.
As regional and international stakeholders continue efforts to promote peace and stability in eastern Congo, participants said they hope their message will encourage greater global attention to the challenges facing affected communities and contribute to renewed efforts toward reconciliation, security, and lasting peace.
