The Banyamulenge people are at a crossroads, facing a paradoxical situation that calls for urgent introspection and decisive action. Without a return to unity and clarity of purpose, we risk losing touch with our true identity and convictions, potentially living a life disconnected from our essence. This is a pivotal moment to determine the legacy we will leave for our children and the generations to come.
Since 2017, cries of genocide against the Banyamulenge have echoed persistently, culminating in widespread belief that the Congolese government orchestrated the calamities our people endured. Over time, however, the government identified and prosecuted elements within its army complicit in the atrocities. Despite these efforts, the narrative of a government-led genocide persisted on social media, fueling mistrust and division.
Unfortunately, some within our community have continued to paint the government as our enemy, perpetuating propaganda that only deepens the chasm between us and our shared future in Congo. Today, propagandists are multiplying, spreading fear and division. As a community, we must pause to reflect on the new horizons before us, the story we want to write, and the legacy we aspire to leave.
The choices we make today will shape the world our children inherit. We are still burdened by the consequences of our past actions, including those of 1996 and 1998. Our people have faced unimaginable suffering: bullying, hatred, killings, and, tragically, even worse. It is time to break this cycle.
We stand at a turning point, an intersection where the decisions we make will define the future. Without careful study of the situation and deliberate action, we risk repeating the darkest chapters of our history. Our next 50 years in Congo could either usher in progress and reconciliation or descend into deeper despair than the past three decades. Let us not allow history to repeat itself. Instead, let us write a new story of resilience, unity, and hope.
Consider the promotion of Lieutenant General Masunzu Pacifique and Brigadier General Gasita. Why does their rise disturb some Banyamulenge in the same way it unsettles our adversaries? Instead of fueling fears and spreading claims that their presence signals the execution phase of genocide, why can we not embrace the opposite perspective? These two valiant warriors could be the very leaders who safeguard our community and prevent further atrocities. What do we gain by fanning the flames of division and suspicion? It is time to think twice and adopt a more objective stance.
We must transcend personal interests and prioritize the collective well-being of our community. Let us focus on the legacy we want to leave for our children. This is a moment to unify, strategize, and forge a brighter future. Together, we can ensure that the next chapter of the Banyamulenge story is one of hope, strength, and renewal.
