I would like to appeal to the political and military leaders of the region who settle their scores without worrying about what the people are going through: Please find peaceful ways of resolving your disputes.

The cross-border conflicts in the Great Lakes Region are especially difficult for those of us with parents of different nationalities.

No one chose the circumstances of his birth. Thus, no one has the right to ask us to choose sides.

Nature spoiled us in giving us two countries to cherish. Unfortunately, we have not always been allowed to enjoy our rights in both countries. My brothers and I have often been harassed and threatened in the Congo, because we have our mother's Rwandan nose.

For some Congolese, our crossing into Rwanda makes us "spies", "snakes", "chameleons", and who knows what else?

There are lots of places in the Congo where I cannot show my little nose. But I would like to be able to stroll around the Congo as free as any other Congolese woman. At the same time, I want to be free to love my mother and Rwanda.

Frankly, Rwandans are more tolerant of my background than the Congolese.

Today, Rwanda recognizes dual citizenship. I hope that the Congo will also eventually adopt such a law.

Some people have nothing to lose in these conflicts. But I lose my identity. Please, find a peaceful solution to these international disputes, disarm the genocidal fugitives hiding in the eastern Congo and creating chaos, and treat us like human beings.