Congolese refugees living in Rwanda held peaceful demonstrations on Friday to protest remarks by a senior military official from the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) that they say promote ethnic hatred and discrimination.
The protests took place at Mahama refugee camp in Kirehe District, Kigeme camp in Nyamagabe District, and Nyabiheke camp in Gatsibo District, where refugees marched to condemn comments made by Major General Sylvain Ekenge, the spokesperson of the Congolese armed forces.
In remarks broadcast on DRC state television late last year, Gen. Maj. Ekenge warned against intermarriage with members of the Tutsi community, comments widely criticized as inflammatory and divisive.
Refugees say the statements reflect broader patterns of discrimination against Tutsi and Kinyarwanda-speaking Congolese.
“We organized this peaceful march to denounce the injustice and discrimination we continue to face in the DRC,” said Justin Ndagijimana, a Congolese refugee in Rwanda. “Public statements by senior officials portray Tutsis and Kinyarwanda speakers as enemies, which puts our lives at risk.”
Another demonstrator said the remarks contributed to the dehumanization of Tutsi women and reinforced a climate of fear.
“Our aim is to make the international community aware of the suffering caused by hate speech and incitement,” the refugee said.
Christophe Ndayisaba, a representative of Congolese refugees in Rwanda, described Ekenge’s remarks as “dangerous” and accused the administration of President Félix Tshisekedi of tolerating ethnic hostility.
“When a senior military spokesperson uses national television to discourage marriage with Tutsi women, it sends a very alarming message,” Ndayisaba said. “Such language fuels division and undermines prospects for peaceful coexistence.”
The comments triggered widespread criticism on social media and condemnation from international figures.
Belgian Foreign Minister Maxime Prévot said he was “deeply shocked” by the remarks, calling them unacceptable for a government official.
“Such statements have no place in public discourse,” Prévot wrote on X. “All forms of hate speech must be strongly condemned.”
The DRC government has not publicly responded to the protests or to the criticism of Gen. Maj. Ekenge’s remarks.
