The Democratic Republic of Congo is experiencing a severe political and security crisis, marked by debates on governance and clashes in the East. Vital Kamerhe, former President of the National Assembly and member of the Union Sacrée, had resigned amid controversy. On August 26, 2026, Kamerhe reacted to the political debate surrounding the identity and belonging of the Banyamulenge to the Congolese nation. He rejected any form of discrimination and reaffirmed his party's commitment to republican values.
A TikTok video published on August 14, 2026, by the account "Bukavu" with over 30,500 subscribers, shows Kamerhe getting out of a black vehicle. The caption claims it shows his arrival in Goma, a tourist city under the control of the AFC/M23 since January 2025. However, Eleza Fact verified the context of the video by contacting the spokesperson for the North-Kivu government under the AFC/M23 and the spokesperson for Kamerhe's party, the Union for the Congolese Nation (UNC).
The spokesperson for the UNC, Alfred Maisha, denied the video, stating that the party was not aware of it and that Kamerhe had not been to the East of the country, especially not in Goma, since the fall of that part of the country. The spokesperson for the North-Kivu government under the AFC/M23, Lumumba Kambere Muyisa, also denied the video, saying "It's false."
An visual index suggests that the video was taken in Kinshasa. The person filming the video does not directly frame the entire sign, but the inscription "by Blazon Hotels" can be seen below the sign "Fleuve Congo Hotel." A comparison with images published by others who have visited the establishment reveals similar visual elements. The Fleuve Congo Hotel by Blazon Hotels is located in Kinshasa.
The video has sparked a strong reaction online, with many internet users expressing doubts about its authenticity and the location where it was taken. Some have questioned whether the images were taken in Goma or Kinshasa, while others have defended Kamerhe, saying he "could never betray his country."
The verification by Eleza Fact highlights the importance of not relying solely on the caption accompanying a viral video. Before sharing information, it is essential to verify its date, location, context, and source, especially when it concerns a political personality and a sensitive security context.
In conclusion, the elements collected by Eleza Fact show that the video presented as showing Kamerhe's arrival in Goma has been taken out of context. The verifications carried out with the sources contacted, as well as the visual indices observed in the video, do not confirm the claim spread on social media.
Key points
- The video of Vital Kamerhe was taken in Kinshasa, not in Goma.
- The video was shared out of context to claim Kamerhe's arrival in Goma.
- Fact-checking is essential to verify information, especially in a sensitive political and security context.
