As Christians, we believe we should “mourn with those that mourn.” It is how we show love for our fellowman dealing with the sting of death. Mourning helps provide strength to move forward, honors those who died and heals wounded hearts.
Aug. 13 was a day of mourning for the Banyamulenge community. It marks the 16th anniversary of a massacre against the Banyamulenge people at the Gatumba Refugee Camp in Burundi. This attack killed 166 refugees living in the camp after fleeing violence in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. This attack was the catalyst for many Banyamulenge to leave their homeland and be resettled in the U.S. as refugees.
I have come to know the Banyamulenge community through my friends that live here in the U.S. Many have shared the persecution they have seen. My heart goes out to them as they watch the same patterns of violence continuing in their homeland, as friends and family still live under continual threat of violence and genocide. My purpose in writing is to join the Banyamulenge in their mourning. It is also to bring to light what continues to happen today in the DRC. We need to stand up to the horrific violence that continues against the Banyamulenge people.
The U.S. needs to use its voice to question DRC leaders about the murder, rape and theft they continue to allow against the Banyamulenge. The U.S. also needs to hold UN peacekeeping forces accountable to the protective mission they have for the Banyamulenge. Please join me in mourning those who died on Aug. 13, 2004. Please also join me in calling our national leaders to stand against violence towards the Banyamulenge people. We can’t be silent when we know what is happening to our fellowman.
Sam Lee
Pleasant Grove