The Embassy of Rwanda in the United States has dismissed as “false and misleading” reports alleging that Rwandan security personnel attempted to infiltrate a hotel in Washington, D.C., to target Denise Nyakeru Tshisekedi.
In a statement released on March 25, the embassy clarified that the incident in question involved a routine encounter between members of the Rwandan and Congolese security teams at a hotel where both delegations were staying.
According to the statement, a Rwandan security officer—who was unarmed—met Congolese counterparts in a section of the hotel accessible to all guests. The embassy noted that the officer was later denied access to an elevator by Congolese security, an action it described as unjustified given the shared nature of the facility.
The Rwandan mission said the situation prompted its delegation to relocate to another hotel, adding that its personnel were subjected to harassment and filmed by unidentified individuals while being searched as they exited the premises.
“Despite the provocation, the Rwandan team maintained professionalism and restraint, avoiding any escalation,” the statement indicated.
The clarification follows claims by authorities in the Democratic Republic of the Congo suggesting that unidentified individuals attempted to access the hotel where the First Lady was staying during her visit to Washington, with insinuations of possible Rwandan involvement.
However, government spokesperson Patrick Muyaya acknowledged that investigations are ongoing in coordination with U.S. officials and did not confirm whether any breach of the First Lady’s accommodation occurred.
Reacting to the allegations, Rwanda’s Deputy Ambassador in Washington, Arthur Asiimwe, rejected the claims, describing them as unfounded and aimed at drawing unnecessary attention.
Denise Nyakeru Tshisekedi is in Washington to attend a high-level forum on child development hosted by Melania Trump. The event has brought together several First Ladies, including Angeline Ndayubaha.
