The Eastern Congo, specifically the South Kivu Region, has been experiencing recurring violent trajectories. The region of Minembwe-Bijombo, the homeland of Babembe, Banyamulenge, Bafuliro, and Banyindu, is currently facing an unprecedented humanitarian crisis. Since 2017 up to recently, Hundreds have died, more than 160 villages have been burnt down, leaving 200,000 civilians without homes and shelter; schools and health facilities destroyed and Banyamulenge cattle estimated around 27,000-30000 have been looted by militias.
One of the reasons for ethnic-based confrontation is a sense of belonging. Referring to reproduced and distorted colonial ‘literature’, some communities are considered ‘autochthonous’, while others are viewed as ‘immigrants’. Many of these written documents were oversimplified or simply lacked objectivity. Some features were politically motivated to halt and contain the hegemonic colonial superpower. However, they ended by harming, and it will take time to repair, while some of the stories were swiftly and slightly presented. Nonetheless, we are the ones to pay for these loopholes. Therefore, this is a time to call upon experts to be fair and objective whenever writing others’ stories.
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