Social media is in turmoil following the deaths of two prominent members of LUCHA (Lutte pour le Changement) in the Kivu region. While some portray them as civil society activists, new reports suggest they were involved in armed groups and extremist activities.
The first individual, Byamungu Katema, also known by his alias KAPO-Jay, was reportedly a commander of the “Brigade FOUDRE”, a militia affiliated with the Wazalendo armed group. He was killed during an attack in Kalehe, allegedly armed and engaged in combat. His group has been linked to recent violence, looting, and killings in Bukavu.
The second, Idengo Delcat, was known as a musician but gained notoriety for his song “Dawa ya Mututsi,” which allegedly incited violence against the Tutsi community. A former prisoner, he had escaped from Munzenze prison in Goma, where inmates had reportedly committed atrocities against women before fleeing during the city’s takeover. Idengo was killed while attacking civilians, allegedly under the influence of drugs and dressed in a FARDC (Congolese army) uniform.
Despite these allegations, LUCHA and its supporters have presented them as ordinary activists, sparking accusations of propaganda and misinformation from the Congolese government’s communication networks.
Additional images circulating on social media show individuals, allegedly LUCHA members, holding banners promoting ethnic hatred and equating the East African Community (EAC) with the Tutsi ethnic group.
Meanwhile, M23 rebels have distanced themselves from attacks on civilians. M23 officials insist their forces adhere to strict discipline and do not target non-combatants.
As tensions rise, the incident raises deeper concerns about the role of activist movements in conflict zones, the spread of ethnic hate speech, and the manipulation of narratives in the ongoing crisis in eastern DRC.
