In Kinyamulenge, there is a saying: “A visible stone cannot damage the hoe.” The stone is now visible, yet some among us seem willing to let it cause harm. With a clear understanding of our past, we should see that today’s situation risks repeating history.
Years ago, our enemies used our name to start wars against our country, leading to our isolation from other Congolese communities. This made us appear as enemies to our own government. The result? The Banyamulenge community faced violence, displacement, and suffering. Today, only a few among us realize that we are still paying for the consequences of those past manipulations.
The Risk of Repeating Mistakes
My concern is that history may repeat itself. If we let it happen again, it won’t be the enemy’s fault but ours for not learning from past mistakes and not recognizing our true enemy. The betrayals of 1996 and 1998 were painful and unexpected. But if we allow ourselves to be sabotaged again, we are to blame for not understanding and learning from our past.
The Return of Old Tactics
These same schemes are resurfacing, disguised as the slogan “genocide against the Banyamulenge.” Only true Banyamulenge patriots who lived through those times know how the enemy used our ignorance for their own gains. They now pretend to be our protectors, but in reality, they are the very architects of the suffering we face today.
A Call for Vigilance
Their goal is clear: to make us clash with our government so that chaos benefits them while we suffer. We must reject any narrative that positions us as enemies of our own country just to serve others’ interests.
We need to put our community first—our land, our people, and our future. The enemy wants to use and divide us for their agenda, but we must refuse. Why shouldn’t we be the ones using their tactics to strengthen our community? We must come together, build our foundations, and rise strong.
The Path Forward
Remember, big fish eat the small ones. But together, we can grow strong and fly high like eagles. Let us unite, learn from our history, and ensure a better future for our children and community.
Let’s not let history repeat itself. The time for vigilance, unity, and decisive action is now. Stay strong, stay united, and protect the future of the Banyamulenge people.
