The Armed Forces of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (FARDC) have suspended their spokesperson, Major General Sylvain Ekenge Bomusa Efomi, following remarks he made on the national broadcaster RTNC that were deemed contrary to republican values.
In a statement released by the General Staff, the army leadership strongly condemned the comments, stressing that they do not reflect the position of the Democratic Republic of the Congo, the President of the Republic, or the Government. As a result, Major General Ekenge has been relieved of his duties as FARDC spokesperson with immediate effect.
The military command reaffirmed its commitment to protecting all Congolese citizens without distinction and called for national unity, urging the public and institutions alike to reject all forms of hate speech.
The suspension comes at a time when the Congolese armed forces are under heightened scrutiny, particularly as the country continues to face security challenges in its eastern regions and delicate regional diplomatic relations.
Military officials have increasingly emphasized discipline in public communication, especially by senior officers whose statements can carry political and social weight.
The FARDC spokesperson plays a critical role in conveying official military positions on security operations, national defense matters, and relations with both civilians and international partners. Any deviation from official policy is therefore treated as a serious institutional concern.
The General Staff reiterated that the FARDC remains a republican army, bound by the Constitution and committed to cohesion, professionalism, and respect for the diversity of the Congolese nation.
