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Uvira : the burial of Colonel Patrick Gisore interrupted by the Wazalendo

Bukavu, August 25, 2025 – The burial of Colonel Patrick Gisore, from the Banyamulenge community, and his wife Yvonne Nyamahoro, who died in a military plane crash in Kisangani on August 16, turned violent on Monday in Uvira, eastern DRC. Elements of the Wazalendo, local militias supported by the Congolese authorities, interrupted the ceremony, accusing the Banyamulenge community of collusion with the M23 rebel movement, which has controlled the provincial capitals of North and South Kivu, as well as several strategic mineral-rich areas, since the beginning of the year. The loyalist army, the FARDC, was slow to intervene.

According to several witnesses, the ceremony was abruptly interrupted by armed elements claiming to be Wazalendo. They intercepted the funeral procession in Kilomoni, while other members of the Banyamulenge community were arrested in Mulongwe or forcibly locked inside the church of the 37th Community of the Assemblies of God of Congo (CADC).

Violence and looting in the church

Local sources report that some assailants opened fire with live ammunition on those gathered outside the church. In the confusion, looting took place : vehicles, cell phones, mattresses, money, and church equipment were taken.

« They looted Alexis Rukatura’s car and smashed Sage’s… » reports a witness on condition of anonymity.

Controversial reasons for rejection

The attackers justified their opposition to Colonel Gisore’s burial with various arguments : some accused him of being « Rwandan, » others refused to grant him military honors, pointing out that the FARDC had not granted the same to their own general, Rukumeta. Still others accused the Banyamulenge present of being affiliated with the M23 rebel movement, which they say is supported from Burundi.

Calls for help ignored

For more than two hours, the Banyamulenge locked in the church tried to contact local and national authorities, as well as the FARDC, without success. It was only after a long delay that the FARDC commander in Uvira intervened to free the captives.

The lack of a rapid response from the Congolese army and Burundian forces present in the region shocked many residents, who question the neutrality and effectiveness of the security forces in the face of rising community tensions.

A fragile security context

Colonel Patrick Gisore, a Banyamulenge officer in the FARDC, was serving in the Punia region of Maniema. His wife died with him in the military plane crash in Kisangani.

This tragic event, far from uniting in mourning, has rekindled identity tensions in a region already marked by a complex history of community conflicts, military allegiances, and persistent suspicion surrounding the nationality of the Banyamulenge, who are often wrongly perceived as foreigners.

In this fragile climate, respect for fundamental rights and the impartiality of the security forces appear more crucial than ever to preserve peace and national cohesion.