RTNC Suspends Journalist Who Hosted Controversial Interview With Gen. Maj. Ekenge

Kinshasa, January 11, 2026 - The Radio-Télévision Nationale Congolaise (RTNC) has suspended journalist Joseph Oscar Mbal Kahij following the broadcast of remarks deemed discriminatory toward the Tutsi ethnic group during a live program on the state-run television channel.

In a statement released on December 29, 2025, the RTNC executive board announced that “the head of broadcasting on the television, Oscar Mbal Kahij, has been suspended from his duties for allowing the airing of statements targeting the Tutsi ethnic group by the FARDC Spokesperson, Gen. Sylvain Ekenge Efomi.”

Mbal Kahij hosted Gen. Maj. Sylvain Ekenge on December 27 during the program “Plateau Spécial”, which was initially intended to address the security situation in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo, particularly in areas affected by fighting in South Kivu Province.

However, according to RTNC’s internal assessment, the discussion deviated from its stated purpose. Instead of focusing on military developments, the exchange included repeated remarks targeting Rwandans and Congolese Tutsis.

During the broadcast, Gen. Maj. Ekenge made controversial statements, including comments suggesting that marrying a Tutsi woman (Umutsikazi) requires caution, alleging that they refuse to have children with people from other ethnic groups. These remarks sparked widespread criticism both nationally and internationally.

On December 28, the Chief of the General Staff of the FARDC, Lt. Gen. Jules Banza Mwilambwe, announced the temporary suspension of Gen. Maj. Ekenge, citing that his statements were incompatible with military ethics and national policy, following intense public pressure.

Observers and human rights advocates argue that the incident reflects the growing level of ethnic hatred directed at Congolese Tutsis, despite the DRC government’s longstanding position that all citizens are equal before the law.

The suspensions of both the military spokesman and the journalist mark a rare acknowledgment by state institutions of responsibility in the handling of hate speech on public media, though critics continue to question the depth and sincerity of these measures.