On August 13, 2004, in a temporary refugee camp in Gatumba, located in the western outskirts of Bujumbura city in Burundi, a horrific massacre took place, claiming the lives of over 160 Congolese Banyamulenge. Every year, survivors and families of the victims commemorate this tragic event, but 21 years have passed with no one held accountable in a court of law.
In an exclusive interview with AfroVera.com, Jean de Dieu, CEO Officer and Peace Ambassador of the Banyamulenge community in Australia, expressed frustration over the continued impunity of those allegedly responsible for the massacre.
He stated:
“It’s been 21 years since this massacre happened. We submitted files to the International Criminal Court (ICC) in The Hague requesting justice, yet to this day, the perpetratorsincluding Agathon Rwasa and Habimanastill walk free. Some were even appointed to government positions.”
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Jean de Dieu emphasized that the Gatumba massacre is seen by the Banyamulenge as an act of genocide, deliberately aimed at exterminating their ethnic group.
“It was premeditated, targeting our community for elimination. We feel forgotten, but we continue to call for justice to be served.”
He further noted that for them, remembrance is not merely ceremonial, but a vital means of preserving their history, especially for younger generations who may not know their roots.
“Commemorating this day is also about educating our children about the history of our people so that they won’t grow up thinking their home is only in exile. We are Congolese it is our homeland. But in our own country, we live alongside communities that do not accept us.”
Jean de Dieu concluded by describing the harsh reality of life in exile:
“We once had a good life in our homeland, raising cattle and drinking fresh milk. But now we live in exile, struggling to survive while we continue to wait for true peace and justice.”
This year, as in previous years, the families of the victims have once again submitted legal complaints to various judicial bodies demanding that the perpetrators be identified and brought to justice. Lawyer Innocent Nteziryayo filed the complaints on behalf of the affected families.
