Tribalism Among Congolese! Has This Plague Disappeared?

By Author: Kirsten Gross
Total Articles: 91
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Growing up, I had friends and family members from all over Congo. At certain age, I learned about "tribalism" and how President Mobutu annihilated this disease from Congo "former Zaire" and established a society where all tribes can live together side by side. So I thought!

In year 2011, I hear stories of bigotry and probably tribalism among Congolese. Did I mention that I'm talking of "Congolese Diaspora"? The Diaspora that is exposed to open societies and cultures in the US, France, Belgium, Great Britain, Ireland, Canada, Germany, Switzerland just to name few.

I see this plague mentality taking full inception in reference to the 2011 Congo's election. Is it possible that we can get back to the unfortunate days where "un Luba" couldn't get married to "un Kongo"? I will point out 3 of the most dangerous and ridiculous assumptions that I have recently heard.

1. Tshisekedi and Muluba.
2. Kamerhe and Rwanda or Burundi.
3. Kabila and Rwanda.

Assumption I: Tshisekedi and Muluba

So what if Tshisekedi is "Muluba"? His dad and mom are of Luba tribe; therefore ...
... he must be Luba himself. Isn't "Luba" a tribe from Congo? Is it a crime to be "Luba"? If you don't like the guy, then criticize him for whatever you don't like in his personality, professional experience or other attributes you accuse him of lacking as a leader.

Assumption II: Kamerhe and Rwanda or Burundi

Look guys and girls! Our country, The Democratic Republic of Congo is the 2nd largest country in Africa with 9 land borders. For some of us living in the States, it is similar to having 9 borders of Mexico and Canada. It is very possible for someone who lives in Bukavu to have the same heritage of someone who lives in Rwanda. Does this fact make such a person less Congolese than the rest of us? The answer is NO. Kamerhe isn't from Rwanda. He is as much Congolese just like the rest of us. Like in the case of Tshisekedi, If you don't like the guy, then criticize him for whatever you don't like in his personality, professional experience or other attributes you accuse him of lacking as a leader. Let's not start questioning people nationalities just because they're from Eastern Congo.

Assumption III: Kabila and Rwanda

"Tinda Ye Na Rwanda" a phrase we are so much hearing among various groups to demonize Joseph Kabila. This is flat wrong and has no place in the democratic institutions we are building in Congo. Some of us are going as far as creating stories and embellishing them with conspiracy theories that they call proof. Spare the rest of us with your non sense. Kabila is the son of Laurent Desire Kabila. You didn't question his nationality when his father was alive, why now?
Like in the case of Tshisekedi and Kamerhe, If you don't like the guy, then criticize him for whatever you don't like in his personality, professional experience or other attributes you accuse him of lacking as a leader.

Side Note: Brothers and Sisters! We know better as people. Kagame is a criminal in the eyes of many Congolese because of his participation in the systematic looting of Congo's minerals and very much responsible for the cause of millions of deaths in Congo. That doesn't make all people from "Rwanda" criminals, looters, or killers of Congolese. We will always have a border with Rwanda. We must find a way to regain a mutual trust and respect.

Loleka mission is for Congolese people to judge candidates by their merits and what they bring on the table to resolve Congo's issues. We are an intellectual democratic platform dedicated to elections in the Democratic Republic of Congo and we present you the political candidates.