In a powerful message, Afande Rugabo publicly called out Magashi, a former RPF and FARDC soldier who is now living in Rwanda, for allegedly betraying the Banyamulenge community after accepting a $3,000 bribe from President Félix Tshisekedi, facilitated by government spokesperson Patrick Muyaya.
Once considered a defender of his people, Magashi is now accused of becoming “Akagara”, a term used by the Banyamulenge to describe those who betray their community and side with a regime widely blamed for atrocities in Eastern DRC.
Magashi, a native of Bibogobogo in Minembwe, was once a soldier in the RPF Inkotanyi before leaving to join the FARDC in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). He later fled to Rwanda, where he reportedly received the $3,000 bribe.
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Following this bribe, Magashi allegedly began betraying the Banyamulenge people by collaborating with the Congolese government through propaganda spread via his YouTube channel. He propagated false claims suggesting tensions between MNRDP/Twirwaneho and M23, alleging that Dr. Kaniki, the head of MNRDP/Twirwaneho’s political wing, was in conflict with Adele Kibasumba, former president of the Mahoro Peace Association (MPA).
He also circulated rumors of internal divisions between MNRDP/Twirwaneho and M23, between Gen. Makenga and Gen. Sematama, between Kaniki and Bisimwa, and between AFC and MNRDP/Twirwaneho. Additionally, he claimed that tensions had erupted between the Banyamulenge and the people of Masisi, despite all these groups being united in a common struggle against the DRC government in a Liberation Revolution.
According to Rugabo and other trusted voices, these narratives are pure fabrication meant to divide the resistance.
Afande Rugabo, who knew Magashi before he became what the Banyamulenge call “Akagara,” said:
“You know everything we did together is 100% true, and what I’m about to say is also the absolute truth. That bribe you accepted is toxic, you should denounce it. Whoever told you that Dr. Kaniki and Adele Kibasumba are at odds was lying.”
He did not hold back in defending Adele Kibasumba, a woman whose leadership spanned eight years and helped hold the diaspora together in the darkest of times:
“Let me ask you, Magashi, how did Kibasumba become Akagara when she has been the leader of the Banyamulenge diaspora for eight full years, and during all that time has been fighting for the Banyamulenge people in every conflict in this region? Just because Kibasumba’s mandate ended doesn’t mean she immediately became Akagara.”
“We know Kibasumba, Magashi. We know what she has done for the Banyamulenge. Kibasumba is not just a woman who leads her household, she’s a hero of the Banyamulenge. She stood up in extremely difficult times like the ones we are currently facing and took on responsibilities I’d equate to multiple ministries.”
“She took on the role of the Ministry of Education by teaching Banyamulenge children, provided healthcare like the Ministry of Health, fed her people, and cared for malnourished children. She did all this for eight years without a single NGO to help us, without a government to support us, because it’s the same government that was killing us, killing innocent women and children. And now, you stand up and slander her on your social media, claiming she did nothing?”
“Kibasumba is a hero. If she were to die today, we would build a monument for her in Minembwe. What monument would we ever build for you, Magashi? Be careful and stop spreading your lies.”
“Dr. Kaniki is the President of our party, MNRDP/Twirwaneho. Everything he does is in coordination with Kibasumba, who is his Secretary General.”
Afande Rugabo continued to warn Banyamulenge who accept bribes to betray their community and urged Magashi to reject the bribe he took because it leads to ruin:
“There is no conflict between Kaniki and Kibasumba. There is no conflict between MNRDP/Twirwaneho and M23. No conflict between Gen. Makenga and Gen. Sematama. No conflict between Kaniki and Bisimwa. No conflict between AFC and MNRDP/Twirwaneho. No conflict between the Banyamulenge and the people of Masisi. There is no division in the region, because we are all united in this Revolutionary War for Liberation.”
In Kenya, where a large Banyamulenge community resides, reactions have been swift and strong.
One anonymous member said:
“Magashi is helping the people who want us gone. He attacks the very woman who kept this community together, Adele Kibasumba. We will never forget that.”
Another added:
“Magashi is acting as a weapon for Tshisekedi’s regime. He insults Adele Kibasumba, the very person who kept this community standing during times of terror.”
“He’s trying to destroy our unity, but it won’t work. Kibasumba is respected. Magashi sold his dignity.”
Another said:
“He thinks spreading lies on YouTube will destroy our unity. But we are not divided. We know who our leaders are, and we know who sold their soul.”
MPA’s Peaceful Transition and Kibasumba’s Farewell
Amid these tensions, the Mahoro Peace Association (MPA) has just completed a peaceful and historic leadership transition.
The outgoing team, led by Adele Kibasumba and Jado Ndaruhuye, officially handed over leadership to the newly elected team of Douglas G. Kabunda (President) and Clement B. (Vice President). This marks a new chapter in MPA’s two-decade journey of peacebuilding and diaspora empowerment.
Kibasumba, in her farewell, offered words of humility:
“I sincerely thank you for your dedication, for the countless days and nights you worked tirelessly to ensure that our people were not exterminated as our enemies had wished. There is no greater victory than seeing our homeland still inhabited.”
She went on to acknowledge that leadership is never without imperfection and humbly asked for forgiveness:
“I know that we are not God who does everything without mistakes, and that is why I humbly ask you to forgive us for the few things that didn’t go as you would have liked.”
Her emotional farewell not only served as a moment of closure but also a call to unity. Adele urged all members to support the new executive team, encouraging everyone to work together to build on the foundation that has been laid:
“Let us now all unite and support the new leadership led by Douglas Kabunda & Clement Bagaza. We wish them peace and progress.”
Her final reminder was simple but powerful:
“Our unity is our strength. Long live MPA! We are together!”
