Reports from the Democratic Republic of Congo indicate that Major General Sylvain Ekenge, the Spokesperson of the Armed Forces of the DRC (FARDC), has been suspended by President Félix Tshisekedi, who is also the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, following statements described as containing divisive and discriminatory ideology.
The news broke on the morning of Monday, December 29, and was reported by several Congolese media outlets, just two days after the General stated that “When you marry a Tutsi woman today, you have to be careful”
Congolese media report that Major General Sylvain Ekenge, FARDC spokesperson, was suspended by the Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces.
The decision follows remarks he made on Saturday of the past week, during an appearance on national radio and television (RTNC).
The Congolese News Agency ACP.cd stated that “On Saturday, Major General Ekenge made controversial statements tending to discriminate against women of the Tutsi community through an alleged scheme to perpetuate the “supremacy” of this community through births.
A senior FARDC officer confirmed to ACP on Monday morning that Maj. Gen. Sylvain Ekenge had indeed been suspended by the Army Chief of Staff.
The remarks made by Maj. Gen. Ekenge were strongly condemned by people from various sectors, including Rwanda’s Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Ambassador Olivier Nduhungirehe, who said that the General’s words echoed the Ten Hutu Commandments, tools used by the regime that planned and carried out the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi in Rwanda.
Minister Nduhungirehe stated that such statements are completely inappropriate, especially during a time when people are celebrating festive seasons such as Christmas, which should be a period for peace and love, yet the officer chose instead to spread hatred.
The remarks were also condemned by Maxime Prévot, the Belgian Minister of Foreign Affairs, who expressed deep concern, noting Belgium’s historical ties to the region as the former colonial power of Congo.
Maxime Prévot said: “This is absolutely unworthy of an official representative. I condemn them with the utmost firmness. All hate speech must be rejected in all circumstances.”
The Deputy Governor of North Kivu Province, Manzi Willy, also condemned the statements, saying it was unacceptable for someone in such a high-ranking position to discourage Congolese citizens from marrying Tutsis, warning that such rhetoric could have very serious consequences.
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