«There Is Peace, But Not Justice Yet» Ceo-Officer Jean de Dieu speaks on the State of Security for the Banyamulenge in Eastern Congo

In an exclusive interview with     Afrovera.com, Ceo-Officer Jean de Dieu, Ambassador of Peace for the Banyamulenge in Australia, offered a rare and frank assessment of the evolving security dynamics in eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), particularly following the high-profile     Doha peace talks.

His remarks paint a complex picture: a region where guns may be quieter, but the wounds of mistrust and exclusion remain deep.

Doha Talks: “A Diplomatic Step, Not a Ground Reality Shift”  

When asked about the impact of the Doha discussions, Ceo-Officer Jean de Dieu acknowledged the significance of the moment but cautioned against over-celebration.

«The Doha talks were necessary, » he said, speaking via a secure video call. «But the people in the hills of Fizi or Itombwe aren’t feeling that peace yet. For the Banyamulenge,     peace is still an aspiration, not a daily experience. »

He highlighted the need for     local implementation     of international agreements and called for     accountability mechanisms     that can be felt at the village level.

Uvira Still on Edge: “Peace Doesn’t Exist Where Identity Is Denied”   

While parts of     South Kivu     and     North Kivu     have seen reductions in active conflict,     Uvira remains tense something Ceo-Officer Jean de Dieu says is not just military, but deeply     political and ethnic.

«The reason Uvira remains unstable is simple: there’s still a belief among some groups that     Banyamulenge do not belong, » he stated bluntly. «You cannot secure a region when its residents are still seen as foreigners. »

He called on local and national authorities to     affirm equal citizenship     and     protect all communities    , noting that     inclusive dialogue     is more urgent than ever.

Banyamulenge as Peacebuilders: “We are not a threat we are a solution”   

Rejecting the victim-only narrative, Ceo-Officer Jean de Dieu emphasized the     active contribution     of the Banyamulenge community to peace efforts.

«We’ve organized community dialogues. We have supported truth commissions. Even our youth are running peace campaigns in refugee camps, » he noted.

He added that Banyamulenge leadership has been     reaching across ethnic lines    , offering collaboration rather than confrontation.

Diaspora Involvement: “Distance doesn’t mean disengagement”   

Ceo-Officer Jean de Dieu praised the     Banyamulenge diaspora     for their role in     education, reconstruction, and advocacy.

«We’ve helped fund health centers, supported legal defense for displaced families, and partnered with humanitarian organizations, » he explained. «Many of our members may live abroad, but their hearts and investments remain at home. »

He called on international partners to     recognize and integrate diaspora actors     into regional development planning.

The Meaning of Peace: “Silence is not harmony”   

Asked whether peace in the Kivu provinces is real or rhetorical, Ceo-Officer Jean de Dieu offered a sobering answer.

«There is less shooting, yes. However, is there justice? Are people safe to return home? Not yet.     Peace without accountability is a pause, not a solution. »

He urged the Congolese government and the African Union to     move beyond press releases and toward transformative justice    , including land rights, political inclusion, and disarmament frameworks that work.

Conclusion: A Fragile Hope   

Ceo-Officer Jean de Dieu’s tone throughout the interview was firm but hopeful a blend of lived experience, leadership, and international engagement. His message was clear:     peace in Congo cannot be declared from above; it must be built from below, with all voices heard especially those long silenced.

As the region watches and waits, his voice stands as one of clarity and calm in a sea of uncertainty.