Following the withdrawal of M23, Wazalendo and Interahamwe militias re-entered Uvira, with a berserk bloodthirst. They massacred civilians. They raped. They engaged in widespread looting. In other words these thugs did exactly what every sane person predicted.
Justin Bitakwira, the notorious anti-Tutsi loudmouth who has long been a central figure in political rhetoric that fuels division was later heard accusing M23 of the looting – including that which took place at his home! (Karma is real!) The Tshisekedist goon even pretended to call for “unity among Congolese.”
The looting incident at Bitakwira’s home is not being highlighted out of sympathy, but because it illustrates a wider problem.
Bitakwira has for years pushed virulent, anti-Tutsi hate speech, especially against the Banyamulenge communities.
Even more, Bitakwira’s public statements have repeatedly justified or minimized the actions of the FDLR and encouraged the political normalization of armed Wazalendo groups. Such rhetoric has contributed to an environment where violence and lawlessness are easily rationalized.
After the looting of his residence, Bitakwira was also heard calling for unity and national cohesion which is a total contrast of his own beliefs. While such language is welcome in principle, it stands in clear contrast with his long public record. Calls for unity carry little weight when they follow years of inflammatory discourse. Consistency matters, especially from public figures.
On the other hand, the situation in Uvira shows that where the rule of law is weak, no one is exempt from insecurity. Armed groups do not distinguish between political allies and ordinary citizens. Once disorder takes hold, control is lost.
More importantly, sustainable security cannot be achieved while influential regime loyalists continue to promote ethnic narratives without accountability. Peace efforts are undermined when leaders tolerate divisive speech from those within their own political circles.
President Tshisekedi, as head of state, bears responsibility for setting clear boundaries. Condemning violence selectively, or remaining silent when close allies engage in aggressive rhetoric, sends the wrong signal. Leadership requires confronting the sources of instability, not just its visible outcomes.
Uvira is a reminder that peace is not built through slogans after the fact. It requires restraint, accountability, and a firm rejection of hate driven politics. Without the rule of law, even those closest to power remain exposed.