An initiative to raise funds for creating one or two pilot reports intended to propose a weekly television series focused on the Kongomani, the Kinyarwanda-speaking Congolese who are currently struggling for recognition in the DRC.

Our Mission:

The story of Kinyarwanda-speaking Congolese citizens is complex and often misinterpreted by the international community. It is a key factor contributing to the prolonged conflicts in eastern DRC. North Kivu and South Kivu provinces have been home to significant Kinyarwanda-speaking communities for centuries, including the Bagogwe in North Kivu and the Banyamulenge in South Kivu, predominantly Tutsis. Historically, Rwandan Hutus were brought to the region during Belgian colonization to work on plantations.

Following the territorial divisions imposed by colonial powers in the 19th century, Kinyarwanda-speaking populations in Congo were assimilated as Congolese. Although they coexisted peacefully with other ethnic groups such as the Nande, Hunde, and Bashi, Congolese Tutsis were never fully recognized as "true Congolese."

After Congo's independence, under Mobutu's regime, many were denied full citizenship, exacerbating tensions, especially with the rise of radical Hutus in Rwanda and Burundi. The massive arrival of Rwandan Tutsi refugees in Congo, Burundi, Tanzania, and Uganda, forming the "Patriotic Front," further aggravated the conflicts.

In this context, Belgian colonizers played a divisive role, manipulating Tutsis and Hutus to their advantage. The violence that followed, including the 1994 genocide against the Tutsi, created a complex web of animosity and forced displacement, with serious consequences for the region.

Understanding this historical context is essential to grasp the current conflict between M23 rebels and the Congolese army. The situation is further complicated by Kinshasa's attempts to conceal corruption amid the chaos.

The M23 rebellion, heir to past uprisings led by Tutsis, stems from the central government's reluctance to address the grievances of the Bagogwe community in the Kivus. This disagreement has fueled a propaganda war between Kinyarwanda-speaking factions, linked to Rwanda, and the Kinshasa-supported narrative, led by Patrick Muyaya, Congo's minister of information.

Accusations of Rwandan manipulation and Congolese disloyalty have only worsened tensions, leading to atrocities against local Tutsis and a deteriorating security landscape. President Tshisekedi's failure to engage in constructive dialogue is aggravating the crisis, as rebel forces approach strategic cities like Goma and potentially Bukavu.

Our Cause:

Our objective is clear: despite challenges in directly accessing Congo, we seek to shed light on the rebels' true motivations and their governance strategies. We aim to dispel misconceptions that portray them as Rwandans and challenge the biased narratives propagated by Kinshasa. Our goal is to authentically represent them as Congolese citizens, encouraging a nuanced understanding of the region's complexities. While acknowledging the limitations in covering the FARDC's perspective, we offer our findings to other journalists to foster a more complete dialogue about the conflict. While respecting journalistic integrity, we strive to provide a balanced representation of ongoing events.

Who We Are?

Based in Kigali, Rwanda, and operating under the name Kivu Press Agency in Africa's Great Lakes region, our agency specializes in providing content for international media.

Marc Hoogsteyns: A veteran journalist and cameraman whose footage has been broadcast worldwide, Marc has covered wars across multiple continents. Like Adeline, he knows the Great Lakes region of Africa like the back of his hand, having worked in this area for over 30 years. Marc was covering this region even before the 1994 genocide and was even present during the first attack by Kagame's rebel forces against Rwanda.

He has produced several documentaries in the Middle East and Southeast Asia. In 2002, he shot his first documentary about the saga of Kinyarwanda-speaking Tutsis, in which he used extensive video archive footage. Since then, he has closely followed the evolution of their situation. Marc has developed a special connection with this community, as his wife is from this region, and he has covered most of the conflicts they have faced. 

Marc has also lived and worked in Congo for many years. During these wars, he crossed the country several times: on foot, by jeep, and by boat. He even wrote a book about a kayak journey he undertook from Maniema province to Kinshasa, through one of the country's most inaccessible and abandoned regions. (cf. 'Heart of Darkness Revisited', Lannoo-Tielt').

Naomi Neza Hoogsteyns: Since it's difficult to manage such a campaign from Kigali and as we are often unreachable when in the field, Naomi helps us manage our affairs from Belgium. She will answer all your questions and we will get back to you afterward.

Our commitment to field reporting reflects our dedication to authentic storytelling.

Why is your support so important?

As independent journalists, our work relies on external support to meet the challenges of reporting in conflict zones. Operating in rebel-controlled territories requires unconventional methods and increased risks, requiring financial support for logistics, equipment, and local partnerships. The evolving media landscape has made funding increasingly difficult, prompting us to explore alternative ways to sustain our activities.

Your contribution will allow us to produce a pilot report for potential investors, paving the way for sustainable exploration of this crucial region. While respecting the principles of objective journalism, we aim to highlight the untold stories and perspectives that shape the narrative in the DRC. Your support is not just about maintaining our mission, it also amplifies the voices of those whose stories deserve to be heard.

Marc Hoogsteyns, Kivu Press Agency