The Suspension of General Sylvain Ekenge: Implications for Military Communication, Governance, and Organizational Morale in the Democratic Republic of Congo

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Kinshasa, 30 December 2025 — The suspension of General‑Major Sylvain Ekenge as spokesperson of the Armed Forces of the Democratic Republic of Congo (FARDC) by the President has sparked widespread reactions across the nation. The role of a spokesperson is pivotal in fostering public perception of the FARDC. He was accused of discriminatory remarks warning male Congolese not to marry women from the 7u75i community, whom he labelled as “secret agents of Rwanda intelligence”. Some hail him as a patriot who revealed a conspiracy. Others blame him as an imprudent warlord, willing to ignite ethnic tensions in the sub-region. A few argue that he should be reassigned to a different post.

While emotions run high across social media and public forums, the state must use administrative procedures that include logical and institutional response. Mohammed Asaduzzaman and Petri Virtanen note that sustainable organizations are built on principles of accountability and rule of law, not populism (2018). When appointed, the army spokesperson position followed strict procedures. Therefore, his suspension or removal must also follow principles of accountability and due process. History reminds us that popular pressure can jeopardize justice – just because the crowd’s demand to “release Barabbas” did not make him innocent. Leaders may feel compelled to agree to public opinion, but doing so at the expense of truth and institutional integrity can be fatal for the state. The decision to suspend the General should be legally consistent with both the Congolese labor Code of 2002 (article 61), addressing suspension for serious violation and the military codes of discipline which requires officers to uphold national unity (Law Gratis, 2025). Additionally, the decision-makers must include the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights which prohibits advocacy of ethnic hatred that incites discrimination (United Nations, 1966). As in a family, a single member’s actions can trigger conflict with neighbors, words spoken by high-rank military officers carry institutional weight to set the tone for discipline, boost morale, and influence obedience inside the military boundaries. Beyond the army, their words are often interpreted as the state policy which might reinforce legitimacy of public authorities and strengthen or weaken relations with allies. In the actual context of fragile relations between DR Congo and Rwanda, uncontrolled rhetoric can inflame internal divisions or offer enemies grounds to initiate threats which can be as costly as a tactical error on the battlefield. 

Ekenge’s address to the public led to discriminatory statements against an entire ethnic community rather than dealing with isolated cases. Therefore, he violated both national and international law. General‑Major Sylvain Ekenge’s case is similar to that of a few other army generals who faced disciplinary measures. In 2010, U.S. General Stanley McChrystal was relieved of duty after belittling the value of civilian leadership (Hastings, 2010). Similarly, in another context, Nigeria dismissed Major General Ibrahim Sani in 2016 over corruption allegations (Premium Times, 2016). In yet another instance, Pakistan’s former leader, General Pervez Musharraf, faced trial in 2013 for suspending the Constitution and sentenced to death in 2019 (Rizvi, 2013). Taken together, these cases show that change in the army leadership is often characterized by measures to preserve the political leadership’s credibility and reinforce the military accountability. Ekenge’s case proves that rank does not exempt an officer from accountability. Within the ranks, soldiers are mentally prepared for conflict that can fracture cohesion, erode discipline, and expose them to risks beyond the battlefield. Those loyal to hierarchy brace for external threats, while others remain mindful of the diplomatic climate.

Based on this analysis, the President’s decision is not just about discipline; it is strategic and about the values portray by the whole nation. Thereby, the President faces the following dilemma: reinstate, reassign, or permanently remove Ekenge from his post. Reinstatement would preserve unity among soldiers loyal to his command, yet will send a signal that inflammatory rhetoric carries no real consequences, exposing the country to diplomatic fallout. Although reassignment may be perceived as a stance that fails to deliver a clear message of accountability, it offers a middle ground option that may ease internal and external tensions by shifting the officer to a different role while preserving institutional knowledge and experience. The removal of Ekenge will be most decisive option. Although sending a clear message of accountability and reinforcing military ethics which would restore public trust and reassure international allies, it may destabilize internal cohesion within the soldiers and loss of expertise.

I would recommend that after transparent investigation, General‑Major Sylvain Ekenge be reassigned coupled with training in diversity and public communication. This approach disciplines individuals without destabilizing the institution and reduces diplomatic fallout. While many will see this move as a sign of a nation of principles, others will consider it as a sign of weakness. The truth is, it shows that the state does not tolerate inflammatory rhetoric, proving that no one is above the law. Therefore, the state narrative matters to coordinate and frame their decision on ethical standards and foreign relations to strengthen the country’s image. As Alain Nkingi emphasizes in The Art of Saying Without Betraying, communication is a strategic weapon that must balance truth with responsibility (Nkingi, 2023). Otherwise, external opponents may misinterpret their decision to weaken the state. 

Ultimately, the army is not a standalone institution. It must liaise with other institutions to provide clear and coordinated responses that touches multiple aspects such as sociology, security, diplomacy, and governance. Whether in conflict or peace, words play a strategic role. Therefore, the DRC department of communication should understand that they are not just a peripheral of the state but the battlefield itself. When effectively used, communication defends the state mission while fostering diplomatic relations.  

References

HG.org. (2025). Understanding the Labor Law of the Democratic Republic of Congo.  

Law Gratis. (2025). Military Law in the Democratic Republic of Congo.  

United Nations. (1966). International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights.  

Hastings, M. (2010). The runaway general. Rolling Stone.  

Premium Times. (2016). Nigerian Army suspends Major General Ibrahim Sani.  

Rizvi, H. A. (2013). Military, state, and society in Pakistan. Routledge.  

Radio France Internationale. (2025, December 29). RDC: Le porte‑parole des FARDC, le 

général Sylvain Ekenge, suspendu après des propos jugés discriminatoires.  

Nkingi, A. (2023). The Art of Saying Without Betraying. Lambert Academic

Publishing. Available at: https://www.amazon.fr/-/en/Alain-Nkingi/dp/620673563X