Colonial Borders, Shared Communities, and the Need to Respect Congo’s Sovereignty
We all know that many African peoples and tribes were divided by colonial borders. Since then, African countries have inherited colonial boundaries that often cut across ethnic, cultural, and linguistic communities. This means that the same people, or members of the same tribe, can be found in two or more countries separated by an official border.
This is a reality across Africa. For example, in Uganda, some communities such as the Hema are also found in the Democratic Republic of Congo. The Bateke people are found in both Angola and the Democratic Republic of Congo. Some communities in Zambia are also present in the Democratic Republic of Congo. The Bangala people can be found in the Central African Republic as well as in the Democratic Republic of Congo. There are also communities connected to Sudan and Rwanda that are present in the Democratic Republic of Congo.
This is not only an African reality; it exists around the world. For example, in the United States, there are many people of Mexican origin, just as there are Mexicans in Mexico. Borders do not always perfectly separate people, cultures, or families.
The real problem in the Democratic Republic of Congo is not simply the presence of cross-border communities. Rather, the problem is the lack of strong governance in the DRC, combined with the greed of Rwanda and its allies, who are accused of exploiting Congo’s mineral wealth. This situation complicates everything and creates tension where peaceful coexistence should exist.
If every African country began claiming land based on the historical presence of its tribes or ethnic communities, the entire African continent would be thrown into endless conflict. In fact, by that logic, Africa could eventually be treated as one single country because so many communities overlap across borders.
In the Democratic Republic of Congo, we have always lived alongside diverse tribes and peoples, including Rwandan-speaking communities, with whom we have shared peaceful relationships and wonderful memories. The DRC has more than 480 tribes, each with its own language, culture, history, and traditional location. Some of these communities legally cross Congo’s borders every day to visit and fraternize with their relatives in neighboring countries, and then return peacefully to Congo.
Sometimes, Rwanda refers to the situation between Russia and Ukraine, but that comparison does not apply to the Congo. In the case of Russia and Ukraine, Russia argues that certain territories were transferred under specific historical conditions. Similarly, Russia sold Alaska to the United States through an official agreement. These are different historical and legal situations.
Therefore, the argument that eastern Congo should be taken under the pretext that it was once part of the Rwandan kingdom does not stand. Such a claim has no solid legal or historical foundation. The true Banyamulenge are also victims of the current Rwandan government’s actions in Congo. Rwanda’s government appears to be trying to classify all Rwandans who came to Congo under different circumstances as Banyamulenge, which distorts the identity and history of the real Banyamulenge people.
The Democratic Republic of Congo is a country of many tribes, cultures, and communities. Its diversity should be protected, not manipulated for political or economic interests. Congo’s borders must be respected, and its people must be allowed to live in peace, unity, and sovereignty.
John Dimasco
