Survival of the Friendliest: Understanding Our Origins and Rediscovering Our Common Humanity

The authors tell the story of Rachel, a nanny who grew up in Minembwe, a village in eastern Congo. Born into the Banyamulenge tribe, she enjoyed a happy childhood despite the restrictions her people faced: The Banyamulenge, linked to the Tutsi of Rwanda, were marginalized in Congo, viewed as outsiders despite their 400-year presence. Rachel’s tribe faced discrimination and exclusion from political and social opportunities. The Belgians, during their colonial rule, exacerbated these divisions, favoring the Tutsi over the Hutu, leading to deep societal rifts that later fueled violence, including the 1994 Rwandan genocide.

Rachel’s life was affected when the conflicts in Congo intensified. The Banyamulenge were repeatedly targeted, leading to violent clashes. In the 1998 Congo War, rebel groups attacked her village, and she fled to the Gatumba refugee camp in Burundi. Despite the camp’s proximity to her home, the situation remained precarious. The UN warned the camp residents of the dangers and offered relocation, but the refugees, fearing disease and rebel attacks in inland camps, chose to stay. On August 13, 2004, rebels from the group PALIPEHUTU attacked the camp. The rebels, fueled by previous losses and hatred toward the Banyamulenge, massacred many in the community, including Rachel’s family and neighbors.