Congolese refugees living in Rwanda have staged peaceful demonstrations to denounce what they describe as hate speech and ethnic incitement by a senior military official of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).
Refugees from Mahama camp in Kirehe District, Kigeme camp in Nyamagabe District, and Nyabiheke camp in Gatsibo District took part in coordinated peaceful marches condemning divisive remarks made by Major General Sylvain Ekenge, the spokesperson of the Congolese army.
In remarks aired on DR Congo’s national television late last year, Gen. Maj. Ekenge made statements widely condemned as hateful and discriminatory against people of Tutsi ethnicity, including comments discouraging Congolese citizens from marrying Tutsi women.
The remarks have sparked outrage among refugees and human rights observers, who say they fuel ethnic hatred and discrimination.
Speaking during the protest, Justin Ndagijimana, a Congolese refugee living in Rwanda, said the demonstration aimed to expose the discrimination they continue to face in the DRC.
He said refugees organized the peaceful march to highlight injustice and the portrayal of Tutsis and Kinyarwanda speakers as undesirable or dangerous.
He added that the protest was also intended to draw international attention to their plight, noting that many people outside the region remain unaware of the discrimination and exclusion they endure.
Another protester said the demonstration condemned ongoing abuse and humiliation faced by Tutsi communities in the DRC, arguing that public statements by senior officials have legitimized discrimination and social exclusion.
Christophe Ndayisaba, a representative of Congolese refugees in Rwanda, described Gen. Ekenge’s remarks as dangerous and reflective of hostility toward Tutsis within sections of the Congolese leadership.
He said such statements risk promoting ethnic violence and called on the international community, including the United Nations, to intervene and ensure accountability.
The remarks have also drawn condemnation on social media and from international leaders.
Belgium’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Maxime Prévot, said he was deeply shocked by the statements made by Gen. Ekenge, calling them unacceptable for a public official.
He said all forms of hate speech must be firmly condemned, particularly when expressed by those in positions of authority.
