Zaire: Information on the situation of Banyarwanda in Zaire and in Kinshasa
| Publisher | Canada: Immigration and Refugee Board of Canada |
| Author | Research Directorate, Immigration and Refugee Board, Canada |
| Publication Date | 1 January 1995 |
| Citation / Document Symbol | ZAR19342.E |
| Cite as | Canada: Immigration and Refugee Board of Canada, Zaire: Information on the situation of Banyarwanda in Zaire and in Kinshasa, 1 January 1995, ZAR19342.E, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/3ae6ad3758.html [accessed 31 May 2023] |
| Disclaimer | This is not a UNHCR publication. UNHCR is not responsible for, nor does it necessarily endorse, its content. Any views expressed are solely those of the author or publisher and do not necessarily reflect those of UNHCR, the United Nations or its Member States. |
The Banyarwanda in Zaïre consist of two groups: an estimated two million who have been living in Zaïre since the 1800s (The Christian Science Monitor 17 Aug. 1993), and recent arrivals, mainly Hutus, who fled Rwanda following the 6 April 1994 death of former president Juvenile Habyarimana. In August 1993 there were violent ethnic clashes among the first group of Banyarwanda and the Bahunde and Banyanga tribes of Zaïre which resulted in the massacre of some Banyarwanda (ibid.; The Associated Press 23 Aug. 1993). The Christian Science Monitor attributes these clashes, to the refusal of the Banyarwanda to pay local taxes and to resentment against ethnic Rwandans due to their industry and wealth (17 Aug. 1993). The Banyarwanda in Zaïre have been targets of discrimination. For instance, the cabinet has prohibited them from enrolling their children in schools and building their own educational facilities (BBC Summary 10 Oct. 1994).
For information on the situation of Rwandan refugees in Zaïrean refugee camps, please refer to the attached articles. 78Information on the situation of Banyarwanda in Kinshasa could not be found among the sources currently available to the DIRB.
This response was prepared after researching publicly accessible information currently available to the DIRB within time constraints. This response is not, and does not purport to be, conclusive as to the merit of any particular claim to refugee status or asylum. Please find attached the list of sources consulted in researching this information request.
References
The Associated Press. 23 August 1993. PM Cycle. Armand Bernard Massamba. "U.N. Team Arrives in Zaire to Help Victims of Ethnic Fighting." (NEXIS)
BBC Summary of World Broadcasts. 10 October 1994. "Government Bans Schooling of Children of Rwandan Refugees." (NEXIS)
The Christian Science Monitor [Boston]. 17 August 1993. Robert M. Press. "Some Allege Mobutu is Stirring Up Deadly Tribal Warfare in Zaïre." (NEXIS)
Attachments
Agence France Presse. 28 November 1994. "Une vingtaine de réfugiés rwandais expulsés par le Zaïre." (NEXIS)
The Associated Press. 23 August 1993. PM Cycle. Armand Bernard Massamba. "U.N. Team Arrives in Zaire to Help Victims of Ethnic Fighting." (NEXIS)
BBC Summary of World Broadcasts. 6 December 1994. "Nord-Kivu Governor Says Rwandan Criminals to be Deported 'systematically'." (NEXIS)
_____. 10 October 1994. "Government Bans Schooling of Children of Rwandan Refugees." (NEXIS)
The Christian Science Monitor [Boston]. 17 August 1993. Robert M. Press. "Some Allege Mobutu is Stirring Up Deadly Tribal Warfare in Zaïre." (NEXIS)
International Herald Tribune. 29 September 1994. Keith B. Richburg. "Rwandan Refugee Camps in Grip of Crime Wave." (NEXIS)
Inter Press Service. 29 November 1994. "Rwanda: No Hope for UN Force in Refugee Camps, Diplomats Say." (NEXIS)
_____. 28 November 1994. "Rwanda: Hutu Forces Recruiting New Troops, Boutros-Ghali Warns." (NEXIS)
The Ottawa Citizen. Final Edition. 4 November 1994. "Rwanda: Charities Want Exiled Militias Out of Refugee Camps." (NEXIS)
Reuters. 8 November 1994. BC Cycle. Corrine Dufka. "Malnutrition, Violence Rising in Rwandan Camps." (NEXIS)
United Press International. BC Cycle. 2 November 1994. "More Rwandans Killed in Refugee Camps."
Sources Consulted
Africa Confidential [London]. Weekly.
Africa Events [London]. Monthly.
Africa News [Durham, NC]. Bi-monthly.
Africa Report [New York]. Bi-monthly.
Africa Research Bulletin: Political Series [London]. Monthly.
Jeune Afrique [Paris]. Weekly.
New African [London]. Monthly.
News from Africa Watch [New York]. Monthly.
