North Kivu Tutsi leader calls for arrest of senior Congolese General over discriminatory remarks

North Kivu, DRC — The president of the Tutsi community in North Kivu Province, David Karambi Fati, has called for the arrest of Major General Sylvain Ekenge, accusing him of making discriminatory and dangerous remarks targeting the Tutsi ethnic group.

The controversy stems from comments made by Maj. Gen. Ekenge during an interview aired on the Congolese national broadcaster, RTNC, on December 27, 2025. In the interview, the senior military officer warned against marrying Tutsi women, alleging that Tutsis do not intermarry or reproduce with people from other ethnic groups.

The statements triggered widespread condemnation across civil society and political circles. On December 28, the Chief of Staff of the Armed Forces of the Democratic Republic of Congo (FARDC), Lt. Gen. Jules Banza Mwilambwe, announced the temporary suspension of Maj. Gen. Ekenge from his position as military spokesperson.

A day later, Karambi addressed an open letter to United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres, expressing concern over what he described as persistent targeting and stigmatization of Congolese citizens of Tutsi origin.

“While the government’s decision to suspend Maj. Gen. Ekenge is noted, it falls short given the gravity of the discriminatory and exclusionary nature of his statements,” Karambi wrote.

He warned that, in the context of ongoing conflict in eastern DRC, such remarks by a high-ranking military official could inflame ethnic tensions, incite violence against the Tutsi community, and undermine peace efforts.

Karambi urged the United Nations to intervene to ensure that Maj. Gen. Ekenge is arrested and brought before a competent court. He also called for public condemnation of similar rhetoric and stronger protection for communities facing targeted hostility.

Citing United Nations conventions and Security Council resolutions on the prevention of genocide and crimes against humanity, Karambi appealed for immediate action to hold those responsible for hate-based incitement accountable.

RTNC journalist Joseph Oscar Mbal Kahij, who hosted the interview, has also been temporarily suspended for allowing the remarks to be aired.