DRC Government Confirms Suspension of Military Spokesman Over Discriminatory Remarks

Kinshasa, January 11, 2026 - The government of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) has confirmed the temporary suspension of the national military spokesman, Major General Sylvain Ekenge Bomusa, following remarks deemed discriminatory against Congolese Tutsi.

According to official sources, the suspension order was signed on December 28, 2025, by the Chief of Staff of the Armed Forces of the DRC (FARDC), Lieutenant General Jules Banza Mwilambwe.

The decision follows comments made by Maj Gen Ekenge on December 27 during a broadcast on state television (RTNC), in which he stated that marrying a Tutsi woman required caution, alleging that interethnic marriages would not result in children. The remarks sparked strong reactions within the country and beyond.

The incident occurred amid accusations that the DRC authorities tolerate or support hate speech targeting Tutsi communities, particularly in the eastern provinces, where atrocities have been reported.

In announcing the suspension, Lt Gen Mwilambwe stated that the comments were not aligned with the values of the national army or state policy. However, critics have questioned the sincerity of this position.

Fanny Kaj Kayemb, a senior finance official within the AFC/M23 alliance, argued that the punishment was symbolic and that the remarks reflected a broader command policy.“The military spokesman does not speak on his own,” Kayemb said. “He follows the line approved by the high command. In the DRC, the Commander-in-Chief is President Félix Tshisekedi.”

Kayemb further described the suspension as an attempt to mislead public opinion and the international community, asserting that the remarks were consistent with what he called a discriminatory political orientation.

Observers also point to past cases, notably statements by MP Justin Bitakwira, who publicly targeted Tutsi, especially Banyamulenge, without facing domestic sanctions, despite being sanctioned by the European Union in 2022.

Additionally, on December 22, 2025, President Félix Tshisekedi received two Congolese nationals living in the United States, including Jean-Claude Mubenga, who has previously made violent statements against Tutsi. The meeting reportedly focused on national unity, drawing further criticism from human rights observers.

According to several sources, verbal attacks against Congolese Tutsi have coincided with airstrikes and drone attacks targeting areas inhabited by Banyamulenge communities since early 2025, raising concerns about ethnic targeting and escalating tensions.