Congolese Journalist Bonfils Gapangwa Returns Home, Reigniting Hope through Media and Advocacy

After years of exile, Congolese journalist Bonfils Gapangwa Muhumure, widely known as BMC, has returned to the Democratic Republic of Congo with a renewed sense of mission and optimism for the future of his people. A once-displaced refugee in Kenya, Gapangwa now finds himself back in eastern Congo, where he says efforts by the Alliance Fleuve Congo/M23 movement have created an environment of hope and relative stability for communities ravaged by prolonged conflict.

Speaking to afrovera.com, Gapangwa founder of BMC Radio & TV, a platform focused on the voices and culture of the Banyamulenge community said the progress he has observed on the ground has inspired him to return and contribute directly to rebuilding efforts. «For people like me, who spent years in exile, what we are now seeing in parts of North and South Kivu is a turning point, » he said. «There is still misunderstanding about the AFC/M23’s intentions, but the security gains on the ground are undeniable. »

Gapangwa’s homecoming is the latest chapter in a deeply personal journey marked by resilience, struggle, and an unshakable belief in the power of media to shape narratives and empower marginalized voices.

  From Mulenge to Nairobi: A Story of Persistence

Born and raised in Mulenge, South Kivu, Gapangwa began his media career at the age of 18. While finishing secondary school in Baraka, a Bembe-majority region, he was invited to RCMF (Radio Communautaire Muungano de Fizi) to represent Banyamulenge perspectives. That early exposure set him on a path that would eventually define his life’s work.

Later, after fleeing to Kenya in 2016 due to escalating insecurity, Gapangwa continued his education, enrolling at De-Capture Media Institute in Nairobi where he studied Digital Media. This formal training solidified his professional foundation, making him one of the earliest Banyamulenge to enter journalism in a structured and impactful way.

Despite personal hardship, including a stint as a night security guard and a failed fabric business in Mombasa Gapangwa never abandoned his dream. He returned to Nairobi, teamed up with like-minded colleagues such as Sultan and Rusaku, and rekindled his media presence. Although his peers later launched their own platforms, Gapangwa remained loyal to his original vision.

His efforts did not go unnoticed. He was twice recognized within the Banyamulenge community for his outstanding contribution to journalism and as an inspiration to young people seeking to use their talents for advocacy and social change.

  Expanding His Influence

In 2021, Gapangwa traveled to Kinshasa, where he met influential political and military figures, including the then-national police chief. The trip was part of a broader effort to conduct research into the root causes and dynamics of the conflicts in eastern Congo.

He later continued his academic journey at Kenya Methodist University, where he pursued studies in International Relations, Criminology, and Security Management knowledge he hopes will support long-term peace and community engagement in Congo.

Throughout this period, Gapangwa used his voice to advocate for the Tutsi community in Congo. His advocacy reached new heights when he appeared on Kenya’s national broadcaster KBC, calling attention to the suffering of displaced Banyamulenge and other vulnerable populations in the Great Lakes region.

  Homecoming and a Renewed Mission

Upon returning to Congo, Gapangwa was officially welcomed by South Kivu’s Vice Governor Willy Manzi and other political and military leaders. He also engaged directly with local citizens, expressing his deep appreciation for the relative calm and encouraging signs of peace he encountered conditions that motivated him to align himself with efforts aimed at national transformation.

«I am impressed by the progress. I didn’t expect to find such tangible signs of peace, » he said. «That’s why I’ve chosen to be part of this revolution not a revolution of weapons, but one of rebuilding, dialogue, and national pride. »

  The Power of Media and Cultural Identity

One of Gapangwa’s defining moments came during Iwacu2Night, a major cultural event held in Nairobi on December 1, 2023. Before a packed audience of Banyamulenge diaspora and Kinyarwanda-speaking communities, he voiced concern that media remains undervalued among his people. “Our people have not yet recognized the importance of media, but media is among the forces that lead the world,” he told attendees. The success of the event has since led organizers to consider making it a regular monthly gathering.

From Mulenge to Baraka, Nairobi to Kinshasa and now back in eastern Congo Bonfils Gapangwa Muhumure’s journey is a story of resilience, courage, and vision. Through journalism, advocacy, and education, he continues to shine a light on the struggles and hopes of the Banyamulenge people, proving that even in the darkest of times, a voice committed to truth can illuminate the path forward.