DR Congo army suspends spokesperson after discriminatory comments on Tutsis

The Democratic Republic of Congo’s army has suspended its spokesperson after he made discriminatory remarks targeting the Tutsi minority.

Maj. Gen. Sylvain Ekenga Bomusa Efomi, speaking on national television on Saturday, accused the Tutsi community of committing “treachery” by allegedly placing men in marriages to father children, claiming it was intended to maintain ethnic “superiority.”

The army said in a statement on Monday that the remarks “in no way reflect the official position” of the FARDC, President Felix Tshisekedi, or the government. It added that the comments were “incompatible with the republican values and the constitutional missions” of the military.

The FARDC reaffirmed its commitment to defend Congo’s sovereignty, protect all citizens without distinction, and carry out its duties with professionalism. The army also urged the population to remain united, reject hate speech, and support the FARDC in its mission.

The Tutsi minority, making up roughly 1–2% of the Congolese population, has historically faced discrimination and violence. The M23 rebel group, active in eastern Congo since 2021, draws heavily on fighters from the Tutsi community and cites grievances over discrimination.

The UN, the Congolese government, and other actors accuse Rwanda of supporting the M23 rebels, a claim Kigali denies.

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