Washington DC – The Front for the Refoundation of the Nation (FRN) has called for urgent attention to threats against civilians in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, warning that inflammatory political rhetoric could expose Congolese communities and foreign nationals to violence.
In a statement shared by Lawrence Kanyuka on October 21, the movement accused Fils Mukoko, whom it identified as a senior figure in the ruling Union for Democracy and Social Progress (UDPS), of making statements encouraging massacres against Congolese civilians and Western nationals.
The FRN appealed to human rights organisations, international bodies responsible for preventing mass atrocities, and the wider diplomatic community to examine the threats and prioritise civilian protection.
Concern Over Political Incitement
The statement described Mukoko as a close supporter of President Félix Tshisekedi and said his remarks were being circulated by government-aligned communicators, increasing their reach.
These accusations represent the FRN’s account. The material reviewed for this article includes screenshots of its statement and still images from accompanying videos, but does not establish the complete wording or context of Mukoko’s remarks. It also contains no response from Mukoko, the UDPS or the Congolese government.
The FRN’s warning centres on the danger of political messages that portray civilian populations as legitimate targets. It argued that political affiliation, community identity and national origin must never determine whose safety deserves protection.
FDLR Concerns and Rwanda’s Historical Warning
The movement also accused the Democratic Forces for the Liberation of Rwanda (FDLR) of operating within the Congolese armed forces and security apparatus. It linked that accusation to its concern over messages encouraging the distribution of weapons for attacks on civilians.
Drawing a comparison with the climate preceding the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi in Rwanda, the FRN urged international actors to treat incitement as an early warning requiring immediate scrutiny.
That comparison forms part of the movement’s appeal for preventive action; the statement itself does not establish that a coordinated campaign of mass violence is under way.
Appeal for International Attention
The FRN called on Congolese citizens, human rights defenders and international prevention mechanisms to document threats and respond before lives are lost.
Its public messaging has continued to place civilian protection at the centre of its appeals. A separately indexed statement on Kanyuka’s account similarly described protecting civilians as a fundamental obligation.
In the October 21 statement, the movement rejected political justifications for violence and expressed solidarity with civilians across community and party lines.
“Their security, their dignity, and their right to life are inviolable,” the statement said, according to the English translation.
The appeal places a clear demand before Congolese authorities and international partners: examine the reported threats, address incitement and ensure that civilians and foreign residents receive protection regardless of their identity or political associations.
