DRC Cabinet Issues Warning on Government Communication After Minister Criticizes Army

Kinshasa - 8 January 2026: Following critical remarks about the DRC army and intelligence by Minister of Agriculture and Food Security Muhindo Nzangi Butondo, President Félix Tshisekedi and Prime Minister Judith Suminwa have issued strict instructions to government officials regarding public communication. At a Cabinet meeting on 8 January, Prime Minister Suminwa emphasized that all government statements must be reliable, properly supervised, and aligned with official policy, particularly on sensitive topics such as military operations, security, public unity, and foreign affairs. She warned that violations of this communication protocol would not be tolerated. Suminwa stressed that any statements or media appearances by ministers should first be reviewed in coordination with the Minister of Information and relevant offices of the Presidency and Prime Minister to avoid insecurity or diplomatic issues. The Cabinet meeting followed remarks by Minister Butondo on 5 January 2026, in an interview on the Bosolo na Politik YouTube channel, in which he criticized the FARDC (Armed Forces of the DRC) for fleeing before AFC/M23 forces took Uvira. He stated: "Give me an example of the capture of Uvira. They announced the capture of Uvira but M23 was still in Luvungi. They tweeted, everyone heard that Uvira had been captured, they left Uvira while the enemy was still 30 kilometers away." President Tshisekedi and Prime Minister Suminwa indicated that government officials must exercise caution in public comments and ensure all statements reflect a positive image of the country and align with their responsibilities.

Faits rapportés

Kinshasa - 8 January 2026: Following critical remarks about the DRC army and intelligence by Minister of Agriculture and Food Security Muhindo Nzangi Butondo, President Félix Tshisekedi and Prime Minister Judith Suminwa have issued strict instructions to government officials regarding public communication. At a Cabinet meeting on 8 January, Prime Minister Suminwa emphasized that all government statements must be reliable, properly supervised, and aligned with official policy, particularly on sensitive topics such as military operations, security, public unity, and foreign affairs. She warned that violations of this communication protocol would not be tolerated. Suminwa stressed that any statements or media appearances by ministers should first be reviewed in coordination with the Minister of Information and relevant offices of the Presidency and Prime Minister to avoid insecurity or diplomatic issues. The Cabinet meeting followed remarks by Minister Butondo on 5 January 2026, in an interview on the Bosolo na Politik YouTube channel, in which he criticized the FARDC (Armed Forces of the DRC) for fleeing before AFC/M23 forces took Uvira. He stated: "Give me an example of the capture of Uvira. They announced the capture of Uvira but M23 was still in Luvungi. They tweeted, everyone heard that Uvira had been captured, they left Uvira while the enemy was still 30 kilometers away." President Tshisekedi and Prime Minister Suminwa indicated that government officials must exercise caution in public comments and ensure all statements reflect a positive image of the country and align with their responsibilities.