Controversy in DRC Over Alleged Anti-Tutsi Rhetoric and Inflammatory Remarks

The Democratic Republic of Congo is facing growing controversy over alleged tolerance of anti-Tutsi rhetoric after President Félix Tshisekedi met with two Congolese expatriates, one of whom later posted inflammatory content online. The situation has been compounded by the suspension of an army spokesperson over discriminatory remarks, reviving concerns about ethnic tensions linked to long-standing conflicts between the DRC and Rwanda.

Controversy is intensifying in the Democratic Republic of Congo amid accusations that the government is showing tolerance toward anti-Tutsi rhetoric, raising concerns about ethnic tensions and national cohesion. The debate follows a meeting held on December 22 between President Félix Tshisekedi and two Congolese expatriates based in the United States, Jean-Claude Mubenga and Kalonji Kabamba wa Mulumba. According to government officials, the discussions centered on issues of national unity, sovereignty, and the broader challenges facing the country.
However, the meeting has drawn sharp criticism from civil society groups and observers, who argue that it sent the wrong signal at a time when ethnic sensitivities remain high. Their concerns were heightened the following day when Jean-Claude Mubenga posted a series of highly inflammatory messages online. The posts reportedly used dehumanizing language and appeared to praise armed groups that have been accused of carrying out attacks against Kinyarwanda-speaking civilians in eastern parts of the country.
The controversy has been further fueled by developments within the Congolese military. Army spokesperson Major General Sylvain Ekenge has been suspended after making remarks that were widely condemned as offensive toward Tutsi women. In response, the army issued a statement distancing itself from the comments, describing them as discriminatory and stressing that they do not represent the views of the government, the military high command, or President Félix Tshisekedi. The military emphasized that the remarks were made in a personal capacity and reiterated its commitment to professionalism and respect for all communities.
The situation has revived longstanding sensitivities surrounding the Tutsi population, an ethnic group that lives across Rwanda and eastern Congo. Their presence in the region is closely linked to decades of conflict, displacement, and strained relations between the Democratic Republic of Congo and neighboring Rwanda. Analysts warn that inflammatory rhetoric and perceived government inaction risk deepening divisions and undermining efforts to promote peace and stability in a region already affected by persistent insecurity.