USA: 21st Gatumba Genocide Commemoration Set for Seattle as Banyamulenge Honor Victims Killed for Their Identity

The Mahoro Peace Association (MPA) has officially announced the 21st annual commemoration of the Gatumba Massacre, a tragic event in which many Banyamulenge were brutally murdered in Gatumba, Burundi, simply because of their identity. 

This year’s event will take place in Seattle, Washington, and is expected to bring together members of the Banyamulenge diaspora from across the United States, along with allies and friends committed to remembrance, solidarity, and justice. 

The official communique was signed by Douglas Kabunda, President of the Mahoro Peace Association, which represents Banyamulenge living in the United States. In his statement, he called upon all community members and supporters to attend the commemoration and honor the victims, emphasizing the importance of unity, collective memory, and reclaiming dignity. 

The Gatumba massacre remains a dark chapter in the history of the Banyamulenge people. Victims were targeted solely based on who they are. This commemoration serves as a solemn tribute to their memory and a powerful act of resilience against erasure. 

The event is scheduled to begin on Friday, August 15, 2025, and conclude on Sunday, August 17, 2025, in Seattle. It will include a series of memorial and educational activities designed to encourage reflection, remembrance, and healing. 

In preparation, the period from August 13 to August 17 is designated as a time of reflection. During this period, celebratory events such as weddings, parties, and other festive gatherings are strongly discouraged, as a sign of respect for the victims and their families. This observance reinforces the community’s collective mourning and commitment to honoring the past with dignity. 

“This commemoration is not just about remembering the dead. It’s a call for unity, justice, and reclaiming the dignity of those who were taken from us,” said Douglas Kabunda, President of Mahoro Peace Association. “We urge all Banyamulenge in the U.S. and their supporters to attend this powerful and unifying event.” 

Commemorating Gatumba is both a moral and cultural responsibility for every Munyamulenge. It is a vital step toward healing, truth-telling, and preserving the community’s history amid ongoing struggles for recognition and justice. Human rights defenders, friends of the Banyamulenge, and concerned citizens are warmly invited to stand in solidarity. 

Seattle, known for its diversity and progressive spirit, will serve as a symbolic and welcoming venue for this year’s commemoration. The city is poised to host members from across the country in a united act of mourning, reflection, and resolve. 

While the event will be held in Seattle, all organizational support and coordination are managed from MPA’s main office in New York City.