Congolese Diaspora Marches in Canberra Over Killings in Eastern DRC

More than 400 Banyamulenge and Congolese Tutsi diaspora members marched through Canberra on May 29, 2026, protesting the ongoing killings, persecution, and hate speech targeting their communities in eastern DRC. The peaceful demonstration in Australia’s capital came as conflict monitoring reports documented drone strikes, village burnings, and aid blockades in the Minembwe highlands with civilians, including children and the elderly, bearing the heaviest toll. The marchers gathered under two community groups, the Banyamurenge Congolese Community of Australia (BCCA) and the Kinyarwanda Speaki

More than 400 Banyamulenge and Congolese Tutsi diaspora members marched through Canberra on May 29, 2026, protesting the ongoing killings, persecution, and hate speech targeting their communities in eastern DRC. The peaceful demonstration in Australia’s capital came as conflict monitoring reports documented drone strikes, village burnings, and aid blockades in the Minembwe highlands with civilians, including children and the elderly, bearing the heaviest toll. The marchers gathered under two community groups, the Banyamurenge Congolese Community of Australia (BCCA) and the Kinyarwanda Speaking Congolese Community (KSCC). They marched past the Australian Parliament, the US Embassy, and the Belgian Embassy, delivering written messages at both embassies. Organisers say their communities in North and South Kivu have been killed for nine years without justice. “We are asking for justice, for peace, and the right to live like everyone else,” said BCCA President Birori Zawadi Munyaruhanga. “We are asking the Congolese government and the United States to protect us.” He also spoke directly to Banyamurenge still living in the DRC. “Stay strong, keep defending yourselves, never stop speaking for your community. This will not go on forever.” KSCC President Innocent Amini Yuhi said the protest was peaceful and deliberate. “We chose Canberra so our message would reach people who have power,” he said. Amini said delegations delivered written messages to both the US and Belgian embassies. He added that Banyamurenge diaspora communities in the United States and Belgium had already begun speaking out, and that it was now Australia’s turn to act. “Everyone should stand up and give their voice. Social media is the first weapon of this era,” he said. The protest comes as the DRC-AFC/M23 peace process, anchored by the Washington Accords framework, remains under strain. Banyamurenge communities in Minembwe have reported drone strikes and continued armed attacks, according to organisers.

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“In their words, they said: ‘Justice in Congo, justice for the Banyamurenge, justice for all Congolese. Stop killing people.’ ‘We need justice, we need justice  justice in Congo, justice in Congo.’”