Six Months After His Sacrifice: Remembering General Michel Rukunda, Makanika.

Today, August 19, 2025, marks six months since the passing of General Michel Rukunda, affectionately known as Makanika. His death on February 19, 2025, in a drone strike in Minembwe, South Kivu, left a deep void in the hearts of the Banyamulenge community and beyond.

General Makanika was a man who stood for everyone’s rights. He cherished every human being and served every community. He was not only a protector of the Banyamulenge, but also a voice for those who had none. He wanted everyone to live in peace and to receive the dignity and opportunities they deserved.

His leadership extended beyond ethnicity or background; his mission was justice, protection, and hope for all.

A Life Committed to Community

General Michel Rukunda was born in Minembwe, South Kivu, and rose from humble beginnings to become a central figure in the region’s complex history. From his early years fighting with the FPR-Inkontanyi in 1994 and 1995, he demonstrated an unwavering commitment to defending his people and their rights. By October 1996, he had joined the AFDL rebellion across Zaire’s border, showing courage and determination during turbulent times.

In 1998, as internal conflicts emerged during the formation of the RCD, General Michel Rukunda, alongside other Banyamulenge officers, retreated to the high plateaus of Uvira. He became aide-de-camp to General Pacifique Masunzu and helped establish the Gumino movement, a resistance and self-defense initiative rooted in the community. His later integration into the FARDC in 2011 and subsequent defection in 2020 to lead Twirwaneho reflected his ongoing dedication to protecting his people and promoting justice for all communities.

The Final Stand

General Michel Rukunda’s life came to a tragic end on February 19, 2025, when a drone strike struck Minembwe, claiming the lives of him and several senior members of Twirwaneho. The attack shook the community deeply, taking away a leader who had spent decades defending not just his people but the rights of all who lived under threat. Despite his death, his legacy of courage, resilience, and selfless service continues to inspire those he left behind.

Faith and Leadership

Beyond his military role, General Michel Rukunda was deeply spiritual. On November 4, 2024, he participated in a religious service in the high plateaus of Uvira, joining the community in the gisirimba dance, a cherished expression of faith among the Banyamulenge and ba-Bembe. This event reflected his commitment not only to physical protection but also to the spiritual and cultural well-being of all communities he served.

A Lasting Legacy

Six months after his passing, the memory of General Michel Rukunda endures. He is remembered not only for his leadership on the battlefield but also for the hope, dignity, and justice he sought for every person under his care. His life tells a story of courage, devotion, and the complex reality of leading in times of conflict.

The communities he served continue to honor his memory, keeping alive the lessons of resilience, compassion, and commitment he embodied. General Michel Rukunda (Makanika) remains a symbol of courage, justice, and humanity.

All information cited from Imurenge.com