Rwanda's Minister of Foreign Affairs and Cooperation, Ambassador Olivier Nduhungirehe, has expressed concerns over the reinstatement of Major General Sylvain Ekenge as spokesperson for the Armed Forces of the Democratic Republic of Congo (FARDC). Ekenge was previously removed from his position in December 2025 after making comments that sparked outrage and promoted ethnic hatred towards Congolese of Tutsi origin.
Ekenge's comments, made on December 27, 2025, on the Congolese national television, RTNC, were widely criticized. He stated that Congolese men with Tutsi wives should be cautious, suggesting that they could be used as a means to produce Tutsi children. These comments were seen as promoting ethnic hatred and genocide ideology, and sparked international condemnation.
Ambassador Nduhungirehe noted that Ekenge's removal from his position was not enough, and that he should have been brought to justice for his comments. The Minister also raised concerns that Ekenge's reinstatement was announced in a secretive manner, which he believed was intended to prevent criticism from both within the country and internationally.
Nduhungirehe also questioned the motives behind Ekenge's reinstatement, suggesting that it may be a political project aimed at promoting ethnic hatred and genocide ideology in the DRC. He emphasized that the international community should be concerned about the implications of Ekenge's reinstatement and the potential for further ethnic tensions in the region.
The reinstatement of Ekenge as FARDC spokesperson has sparked concerns among human rights groups and diplomats, who fear that it could lead to further instability and violence in the DRC. The DRC has a complex history of ethnic conflict, and the promotion of ethnic hatred and genocide ideology is seen as a major threat to stability in the region.
Ekenge's past comments were widely condemned by human rights groups and diplomats, and his reinstatement has been seen as a step backwards for the DRC. The international community has called for calm and restraint in the face of Ekenge's reinstatement, and there are concerns that the situation could escalate into further violence.
The situation remains tense, with many Congolese and international observers watching closely to see how the situation unfolds. The DRC government has yet to comment on the concerns raised by Ambassador Nduhungirehe, but it is clear that the reinstatement of Ekenge as FARDC spokesperson has significant implications for the country's fragile stability.
Key points
- Rwanda's Foreign Minister has raised concerns over the reinstatement of Maj. Gen. Sylvain Ekenge as spokesperson for the Democratic Republic of Congo's armed forces.
- Ekenge was previously removed from his position in December 2025 after making comments that sparked outrage and promoted ethnic hatred towards Congolese of Tutsi origin.
- The international community has expressed concerns that Ekenge's reinstatement could lead to further instability and violence in the DRC.
