The High Command of the Armed Forces of the Democratic Republic of Congo (FARDC) has distanced itself from the hate speech made by its spokesperson, Major General Sylvain Ekenge Bomusa Efomi, which targeted the Tutsi ethnic group, and confirmed that a decision was taken to suspend him.
News of Major General Sylvain Ekenge’s suspension began circulating on the morning of Monday, 29 December 2025, through various media outlets in the Democratic Republic of Congo.
This information was confirmed by the FARDC High Command in an official statement, which said it “condemns the statements made by Major General EKENGE BOMUSA EFOMI Sylvain, which stigmatized the Tutsi community, broadcast on the national Radio and Television of Congo (RTNC) on Saturday, 27 December 2025.”
The statement, signed by the Chief of General Staff of FARDC, Lt. Gen. Jules BANZA MWILAMBWE, went on to say:
“In light of the consequences of this act, it has been decided to suspend this individual from his duties as the Spokesperson of FARDC.”
The FARDC High Command emphasized that the remarks made by Major General Sylvain Ekenge “do not reflect the official position of the authorities of the Democratic Republic of Congo, nor that of the Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces of Congo, His Excellency the President of the Republic, or the Government.”
FARDC further stated that the remarks made by the former spokesperson are not in line with the principles, values, and code of conduct of the Congolese Armed Forces.
The statement continued: “The High Command of FARDC reaffirms with strong conviction, the determination of the Armed Forces of the Democratic Republic of Congo to defend and protect, with discipline and professionalism, the sovereignty and territorial integrity of our country as well as the security of all Congolese men and women, without distinction, even at the cost of supreme sacrifice.”
FARDC also took this opportunity to call on all Congolese citizens to promote unity and to ignore all forms of hate speech, so as to support their army in fulfilling its mission.
RADIOTV10
