Updated By Faith Barbara N Ruhinda at 1419 EAT on Thursday 26 March 2026

Tensions between Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) escalated this week following reports of an alleged security incident involving DRC First Lady Denise Nyakeru Tshisekedi in Washington, D.C.

Nyakeru is in the United States to attend the Intergenerational Dialogue Summit of the Fostering the Future Together Coalition, an initiative led by US First Lady Melania Trump.

On Tuesday, the DRC government, through its spokesperson and Minister of Communication and Media Patrick Muyaya Katembwe, alleged that individuals believed to be Rwandan security operatives attempted to unlawfully enter Nyakeru’s hotel room.

Tensions between Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) escalated after an alleged security incident involving DRC First Lady Denise Nyakeru Tshisekedi in Washington, D.C.

DRC government spokesperson and Minister of Communication Patrick Muyaya said the episode occurred around midday New York time, with the First Lady’s security detail intervening in a brief confrontation before the suspects fled. He confirmed Nyakeru was unharmed and that U.S. authorities had been informed.

The Rwandan Embassy in Washington dismissed the claims as a “gross misrepresentation of events,” saying a Rwandan VIP security officer had accidentally encountered DRC security personnel in a shared hotel hallway. The embassy said the situation was resolved peacefully, and the Rwandan delegation later moved to another hotel.

The incident comes amid already strained relations between Kigali and Kinshasa, driven by longstanding Congolese accusations that Rwanda backs the M23/AFC rebel movement — claims Rwanda denies.

The M23/AFC, led by Bertrand Bisimwa and Gen. Sultan Makenga since its resurgence in 2022, says it seeks to fight corruption, xenophobia, and discrimination within the DRC. The group controls parts of North and South Kivu provinces, including areas around Goma and key facilities such as Goma and Kavumu airports, and has repeatedly clashed with Congolese forces over alleged ceasefire violations.

Between Tuesday night and Wednesday morning, residents reported that M23/AFC fighters withdrew from multiple positions in Lubero Territory, including Kitsumbiro, Kipese, Katondi, Munyakondomi, Ivatama, Ilambula, Luseke, and Musimba, all located 15 to 25 kilometres from the town center.

The fighters reportedly moved southward, taking military equipment with them. The group also abandoned Bukununu in Rutshuru Territory after more than a year of occupation. Following the pullout, Wazalendo militia allied with the DRC government reportedly moved in to seize control.

The government had not commented on the withdrawals or on whether they were linked to the recent diplomatic tensions in Washington. Analysts say the moves could indicate shifting dynamics on the ground and are watching closely for potential implications for regional stability.

-Observer

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