Wherever life takes you, never forget where you came from.
Joined November 2023
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Mandela Gapala retweeted
Below is a recent ocumentary detailing the destruction of Minembwe by drones operated by these mercenaries, killing innocent Banyamulenge.They know exactly what they’re doing in Congo being on Tshisekedi’s payroll. Americans deserve to know the truth:👇🏾
xitter.cf/nmuhamiriza/status/209…
I so far have not seen an independent African local media house do an in depth reporting of this incident. Let me add my local context - Banyamulenge church and organization leaders have been reporting for over a year that civilians, churches, schools, and hospitals in Minembwe, Democratic Republic of Congo have been bombed by drones employed by mercenaries hired by the government of the Democratic Republic of Congo. My fellow Americans, We are on the wrong side of history in DRC. Our greed,lust for power, and infatuation with violence are an abomination nytimes.com/2026/10/09/world…
Lasting peace in eastern Congo must ensure the protection of Banyamulenge and their rights to live as equal Congolese Ctzns.
Thank you to @africaarguments for publishing my op-ed.
@US_SrAdvisorAF @MofaQatar_EN @StateDept @_AfricanUnion @LawrenceKanyuka
africanarguments.org/2026/10…
Well said, VP Jado. Refugees need a seat at the table when decisions affecting their lives are made. Their lived experience and leadership are essential to creating solutions that last.
#United_Nations: I am deeply honored to be in New York this week for the United Nations General Assembly( #UNGA), participating in meetings and conversations that are shaping the future of humanitarian action and refugee protection.
One of the highlights of my time here was attending the R-Space high-level event at the Harvard Club of New York on September 23: “United Nations Transformation: Reimagining Peace, Refugee Protection, and Global Responsibility.”
I was honored to meet and hear from UN High Commissioner for Refugees #Barham #Salih, alongside other leaders and experts discussing the future of the global refugee response.
One message particularly resonated with me: being a refugee should not become a permanent fate.
The discussion around the High Commissioner’s “50 by 35” vision aiming to help more than half of aid-dependent refugees in protracted displacement move toward greater self-reliance and durable solutions by 2035, speaks to something I believe strongly: refugees should not be seen only as recipients of humanitarian assistance. They must also be recognized as leaders, partners, professionals, innovators, and contributors to the solutions that affect their lives and communities.
This is personal to me.
Having experienced displacement myself and now having the opportunity to sit in rooms where global refugee policies and solutions are being discussed reminds me why refugee leadership and meaningful participation matter. People with lived experience should not only be invited to share their stories; they should have a meaningful role in designing solutions, building partnerships, and shaping the decisions that affect displaced communities.
As humanitarian resources become increasingly constrained and millions of people remain displaced for years, we need approaches that protect people in moments of crisis while also creating pathways toward education, employment, economic participation, dignity, and long-term self-reliance.
I leave this conversation encouraged by one conviction: the future of refugee response should not only be about doing things for refugees, but doing things with refugees, and creating space for refugees to lead.
Grateful for the opportunity to be part of these important conversations during #UNGA in New York. @UNRefugeeAgency @Refugees @UN @UN_HRC @Refugees @UNHCRUSA @UNHCR_Kenya @RefugeesRwanda @UNHCRuganda @UNHCRCongo @DominiqueHyde
#UNGA #RefugeeLeadership #RefugeeProtection #UNHCR #RSpace #HumanitarianAction #ForcedDisplacement #DurableSolutions #RefugeeVoices #GlobalLeadership
Mandela Gapala retweeted
After a year of humanitarian blockade around Minembwe imposed by the government of Kinshasa and its allied militia (Burundians, Wazalendo etc) the devastation, misery and the suffering are beyond comprehension.
Here is the first of interviews conducted on the ground 👇🏾
Mandela Gapala retweeted
“Les forts font ce qu’ils peuvent et les faibles subissent ce qu’ils doivent.”
Cette phrase froide, écrite il y a près de vingt-cinq siècles par Thucydide dans le Dialogue des Méliens, n’a rien perdu de sa vérité. Elle décrit un monde où le droit ne pèse vraiment que lorsque les forces s’équilibrent. En l’absence de cette égalité, le plus fort impose sa volonté et le plus faible n’a qu’à endurer. La justice devient alors un luxe réservé à ceux qui ont les moyens de la faire respecter.
Lors de la 22ᵉ commémoration du génocide des réfugiés #Banyamulenge à #Gatumba, un conseil a été répété avec insistance: “Cherchez la force et la justice vous sera rendue.”
Ce n’est pas un appel à la violence. C’est la reconnaissance lucide de la loi que Thucydide avait déjà formulée. Pendant trop longtemps, les #Banyamulenge ont subi ce que subissent les faibles: génocides, déplacements, silence international, justice différée ou refusée. #Gatumba n’est pas seulement un crime; c’est l’illustration tragique de ce que devient un peuple lorsqu’il n’a plus la capacité de se faire entendre autrement que par la plainte.
Le conseil entendu lors de la commémoration de Gatumba inverse la logique de la résignation. Il ne dit pas que la force remplace la justice. Il dit que, dans le monde tel qu’il est, la justice a besoin de force pour cesser d’être une pétition et devenir une réalité. Sans capacité de peser, diplomatiquement, politiquement, économiquement, intellectuellement, et aussi en termes de cohésion et de résilience collective, le droit reste lettre morte.
Thucydide décrivait un monde sans illusion. Le message de #Gatumba, vingt-deux ans après le carnage, n’est pas une capitulation devant ce monde. C’est une décision de ne plus y rester à genoux. Chercher la force, c’est refuser que le destin des #Banyamulenge soit indéfiniment celui des faibles qui subissent. C’est faire en sorte que, un jour, le droit ne soit plus seulement invoqué, mais enfin écouté.
Car tant que l’on reste faible, on continue de subir.
Et tant que l’on subit, la justice demeure un vœu.
#TwibukeGatumba22
#Banyamulenge
#NoWhereToBelong
@Fkaniki @EspoirKing1 @kivuutile @Jadondaruhuye1 @Gatumbasurvivor @Kaifsonia20 @Rumenge1 @kweziFaustin1 @InnocentNtezi1 @DougGasore @MahoroMpa @M_gapala @rmakrich @Inkwakuzi2 @GakondoNziza @observing_web @MasengaUmutesi1 @Mufasa_43 @TWIRWANEHOMOI @PatriceNgira
We are deeply alarmed by reports of drone strikes and heavy artillery attacks by FARDC and its allies on civilian-populated areas in Minembwe, home to Banyamulenge families. Civilians have reportedly been killed and injured.
@US_SrAdvisorAF @HouseForeign @SenRandPaul @MONUSCO
Mandela Gapala retweeted
#DRCongo #Minembwe #Banyamulenge
🚨 URGENT ALERT: Attack on Students and Civilians in Minembwe
According to local civil society organizations in Minembwe, a Sukhoi-25 fighter aircraft operated by the Armed Forces of the Democratic Republic of Congo (FARDC) bombarded the center of Minembwe on June 12, 2026, while thousands of students were peacefully sitting for the TENASOSP national examination. Amid the panic, eighth-grade student Ndakize Ntungane reportedly suffered a fractured arm after being trampled by fleeing classmates.
The same sources report damage to homes and school buildings and describe the attack as part of a continuing pattern of drone attacks and violence targeting the Banyamulenge population in Minembwe, and surounding villages.
Under international humanitarian law, civilians and educational facilities are entitled to special protection. UN Security Council Resolution 2601 (2021) “strongly condemns attacks directed against civilians and civilian objects, including schools and educational facilities, as well as attacks and threats of attacks against students and teachers.”
We urge the international community to unequivocally condemn these attacks and to increase pressure on the governments of the Democratic Republic of Congo and Burundi to immediately cease attacks on innocent civilians, respect their obligations under international law, and support independent investigations to ensure accountability and the protection of vulnerable communities.
@realDonaldTrump @SecRubio, @US_SrAdvisorAF, @USAmbUN @UNHumanRights @SenatorRisch @RepJoeWilson @senatefrc @HouseForeignGOP @RepBrianMast @RepRonnyJackson @RepSaraJacobs @ChrisVanHollen @SenTedCruz @SenOssoff @PatrickMuyaya @kayikwambaT @onduhungirehe
@SenGillibrand @MarshaBlackburn @SenatorHeinrich
@BasedMikeLee @IsokoUSA @DougGasore @JulianPecquet
“Ebola case shows how Kentucky connects to the rest of the world” when we invest in global health and humanitarian aid we help build a safer and healthier world for all.
kentuckylantern.com/2026/05/…
@drfarls @USAID @Fkaniki @RandPaul @FCNL @WHO @AfricaCDC @rogerkamba @GouvNordKivu
Mandela Gapala retweeted
#Ebola : Le ministre de la Santé, Samuel Roger #Kamba face au Dr Freddy Rukema #Kaniki, pharmacien, épidémiologiste. Deux docteurs face au virus et la guerre. Kinshasa et #Goma n’ont pas besoin de s’aimer pour coopérer. Face à Ebola, ils doivent seulement accepter une riposte technique, surveillée et dépolitisée. congoconfidentiel.substack.c… @CNangaa @bbisimwa @Fkaniki @LawrenceKanyuka @kivuutile @TwirwanehoMoise @ORuhumuriza @JeanPaulShaka1 @jumuiya @OMSRDCONGO @opsoms @nmuhamiriza @SugiraMireille @MaishaRdc @GouvNordKivu @GouvSudkivu
Congrats brother @fidele_sebahizi on officially becoming an assistant professor. Truly well deserved. Wishing you continued success and impact ahead.
It’s OFFICIAL - Assistant Professor at #Abilene #Christian #University. God’s timing is ALWAYS PERFECT 👌
Mandela Gapala retweeted
#DRC #Minembwe
A powerful and deeply personal piece by @M_gapala, on the ongoing suffering of the Banyamulenge community in eastern DRC, the humanitarian crisis in Minembwe, and the growing global movement demanding dignity, civilian protection, and justice through peaceful advocacy.
From Washington DC to Brussels, London, Nairobi, and beyond, Banyamulenge voices are refusing to remain silent.
This is more than a protest. It is a call for humanity to respond.
wagingnonviolence.org/ipra/2…
@wagingnv @US_SrAdvisorAF @SecRubio @HouseForeign @HouseForeignGOP
Thanks to @wagingnv for the opportunity to share this article and help raise awareness about the suffering facing my community and the need to protect civilians.
wagingnonviolence.org/ipra/2…
@US_SrAdvisorAF
@HouseForeign @Fkaniki @nmuhamiriza @kdebby5 @MahoroMpa @ORuhumuriza
Mandela Gapala retweeted
wagingnonviolence.org/ipra/2…
A Congolese minority demands dignity and justice
Facing targeted violence and silence around their plight, the Banyamulenge diaspora are calling for concrete action to protect civilians and human rights.
Mandela Gapala May 15, 2026.
The Banyamulenge are a Congolese Tutsi ethnic minority from the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo. Despite living there for generations, our identity and belonging have long been questioned, leaving our community vulnerable to cycles of exclusion and violence.
@SecRubio @US_SrAdvisorAF @ymahmoudali @StateDept @AsstSecStateAF @francediplo @GermanyDiplo
Mandela Gapala retweeted
#USA: A well-known media organization “Waging Nonviolence” published an article by Mandela Gapala ( @M_gapala ) on the violence and persecution facing the Banyamulenge and Tutsi communities in the DRC. wagingnonviolence.org/ipra/2… @TwirwanehoMoise @kivuutile @hrw @UNHumanRights
Mandela Gapala retweeted
“A Congolese minority demands dignity and justice.
Facing targeted violence and silence around their plight, the Banyamulenge diaspora are calling for concrete action to protect civilians and human rights.” by @M_gapala
wagingnonviolence.org/ipra/2…
Mandela Gapala retweeted
#DRCongo #Minembwe
A First Step Toward Relief in Minembwe — But Far More Must Follow
Today, we witnessed a significant and long-awaited development: the first humanitarian agency has finally reached Minembwe after many years of limited access.
This progress follows sustained advocacy efforts by Mahoro Peace Association (MPA) and many other organizations and individuals who have consistently raised awareness about the urgent humanitarian needs in the region. It is a moment of cautious relief and hope.
We extend our sincere gratitude to International Committee of the Red Cross @CICR for taking this important step and delivering much-needed medical assistance to the people of Minembwe and surrounding areas.
Access to basic healthcare has been critically lacking, and this intervention will undoubtedly save lives.
However, this must only be the beginning.
The humanitarian situation remains severe, with communities facing acute shortages not only of medical supplies, but also of food and other essential resources.
We urgently call on more humanitarian organizations to step in, particularly those equipped to provide food assistance and broader emergency support.
Sustained, coordinated action is essential to meet the scale of the need and to restore dignity and hope to affected populations.
Minembwe cannot be forgotten again.
@WFP @WFP_Africa @UNOCHA_DRC @UNICEF @save_children @CAREGlobal @Oxfam @OxfaminAfrica @ACFInternational @WorldVision @WorldVisionEARO @WFPDRC @MSF_EastAfrica @UNICEFDRC
Mandela Gapala retweeted
Marchez pacifiquement, mon peuple…
Et le monde, enfin, comprendra.
Regardez-les.
Des milliers d’âmes dignes, belles, déterminées, qui serpentent le long de Pennsylvania Avenue comme un fleuve de lumière et de courage. Pas un cri de haine, pas un geste de violence. Seulement la force tranquille de la vérité qui avance.
Le 20 avril 2026, Washington DC a vu l’immensité de notre unité.
Ce lundi, le silence des puissants a été brisé par le pas de milliers de Banyamulenge, de Tutsi et de tous ceux qui refusent de fermer les yeux sur le génocide en cours en RDC.
Cette marche n’était pas qu’une manifestation.
C’était une onde de choc.
Une frappe d’Armada silencieuse qui a fait trembler les murs de Kinshasa.
Les lobbies grassement payés, les machines à mensonges, les manipulateurs professionnels… personne ne s’attendait à ça.
Personne ne s’attendait à une telle beauté, une telle discipline, une telle puissance tranquille.
Nous n’avons pas besoin de hurler pour être entendus.
Notre nombre, notre dignité et notre amour pour la vie parlent plus fort que toutes les armes.
À nos frères et sœurs restés au pays, sous les bombes et les massacres:
Tenez bon.
Le monde commence à ouvrir les yeux.
Votre douleur n’est plus invisible.
Votre combat n’est plus solitaire.
Nous marchons pour vous.
Nous marcherons encore.
Jusqu’à ce que justice soit faite.
Jusqu’à ce que la paix revienne.
Jusqu’à ce que plus jamais un enfant banyamulenge ou tutsi ne soit tué simplement parce qu’il existe.
Nous sommes debout.
Nous sommes nombreux.
Et nous ne nous tairons plus.
#Banyamulenge #Tutsi #StopGenocideDRC #MarchForJustice
Mandela Gapala retweeted
OFFICIAL STATEMENT BY MAHORO PEACE ASSOCIATION AND ISOKO-USA
We wish to address the outcome and purpose of the peaceful protest held on April 20 in Washington
D.C., by Banyamulenge and Tutsi Americans of Congolese origin.
The demonstration was successful in bringing visibility to the ongoing humanitarian crisis facing
Banyamulenge and Tutsi communities in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo.
Most importantly, it served its central purpose: to denounce, clearly and unequivocally, the ongoing genocide against Banyamulenge and Tutsi communities in democratic republic of Congo.
At the outset, we extend our sincere appreciation to President Donald J. Trump and his Administration for bringing attention to this crisis and for their continued efforts toward identifying a lasting solution. Such engagement provides hope for communities that have endured prolonged suffering.
We also value the opportunity we had in Washington to engage with relevant stakeholders and decision-makers. Through these exchanges, we were able to present the reality on the ground in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, where innocent civilians continue to face targeted violence, displacement, and
loss of lives at hands of President Tshisekedi.
We spoke on behalf of our families and loved ones who remain victims of this ongoing genocide.
We thank the local authorities and Police for giving us All necessary permits and their support.
Our messaging through speeches, posters, and public statements, consistently reflected our mission:
To raise awareness of ongoing humanitarian cris of monument proportion, to seek justice, and to call for an end to the violence.
We remain steadfast in our commitment to advocacy. We will continue to raise our voices for those who cannot, and to stand in solidarity with the victims.
The pain of our communities is real, and the urgency of this crisis cannot be overstated.
We call upon the international community to act decisively to end the atrocities, ensure accountability,
and support a path toward lasting peace
in the Democratic Republic of Congo.
@SecRubio, @US_SrAdvisorAF @USAmbUN @SenatorRisch @RepJoeWilson @SenateForeign @HouseForeignGOP @RepBrianMast @RepRonnyJackson @RepSaraJacobs @ChrisVanHollen @SenTedCruz @SenOssoff @SenGillibrand @MarshaBlackburn @SenatorHeinrich @BasedMikeLee @StephenM @IsokoUSA @DougGasore
A deeply personal piece.
Grateful to @FCNL for helping amplify my community’s voices.
@AsstSecStateAF @US_SrAdvisorAF @RandPaul @SenMcConnell @Fkaniki @MahoroMpa @RepSaraJacobs @AlexMvuka @HouseForeign @CoulibalyBojana
fcnl.org/updates/2026-04/nev…
I’m truly grateful for this recognition and all the support—thank you!
My brother and friend, now #Honorable #Mandela #Gapala (@M_gapala), has been commissioned a #KENTUCKY #COLONEL, “the highest title of honor bestowed by the Governor of Kentucky” in the United States.
Hon. Mandela, you have lived out the legacy of the Legendary Nelson Mandela. It makes sense now why you were named after him.
Congratulations, dear brother, for this amazing accomplishment. I can’t wait to celebrate more in the future.
Umwana w’i Mulenge, komeza utere imbere! Uri ishema ry’Abanyamulenge! 👌
