DRC Cabinet Tightens Messaging Amid Eastern Security Strains

What to know: Kinshasa’s message discipline

In the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), President Félix Tshisekedi has issued a firm reminder to ministers after a series of sensitive public remarks deemed uncoordinated. The episode comes as Kinshasa officially emphasizes diplomacy to manage tensions with Rwanda and address the security crisis linked to the M23/AFC in the country’s east.

Several government statements sparked controversy over the past week, prompting the executive to underline that state communication—especially on defence, security, social cohesion and foreign relations—must follow a clear line. Authorities are now moving to strengthen oversight and improve coherence across ministries.

Context: diplomacy-first posture under regional pressure

The correction occurs against a backdrop of persistent regional tensions in eastern DRC. While the government’s stated approach prioritizes diplomatic channels to contain escalation with Rwanda, the public arena has seen sharper, sometimes improvised, language from senior officials.

For Kinshasa, the challenge is not only external. It is also about keeping a unified voice at a time when every word from a minister can be interpreted as signalling policy, raising stakes in a conflict environment where perceptions can quickly become operational realities.

Government line: Suminwa calls the remarks “unacceptable”

At the Council of Ministers, Prime Minister Judith Suminwa described the media outings by certain members of government as “unacceptable” and contrary to presidential orientations. A formal warning was delivered to ministers, alongside a decision to reinforce the control mechanism for state communication.

Suminwa framed the issue as a matter of discipline, stressing that the state’s voice cannot be “improvised or not mastered.” In her view, repetition of uncoordinated remarks risked blurring official priorities at a moment requiring steadiness and predictability.

Two flashpoints: Nzangi and Muzito statements draw attention

Two media interventions dominated discussion in less than a week. First, the Minister for Rural Development, Muhindo Nzangi, said on a programme that without a warning from the Americans, M23/AFC rebels could have taken Kalemie after Uvira in December, adding that “there was not much” to stop them.

A second statement came from the Vice Prime Minister in charge of the Budget, Adolphe Muzito, who declared: “If Rwanda wants war, it will get it.” He also said the DRC was ready to mobilize “five billion dollars over five years” to finance a military effort.

Actors: Muyaya mandated to coordinate sensitive messaging

In response, the head of government reiterated that any communication touching defence, security, social cohesion or diplomatic relations cannot be improvised and must be coordinated. Under the new arrangement, government spokesperson Patrick Muyaya is tasked with coordinating these statements, in liaison with the presidency.

This shift signals an effort to centralize strategic messaging while preserving ministerial portfolios. In practice, it creates a clearer chain of validation intended to reduce contradictory narratives and ensure that public language reflects established presidential direction.

Calendar: warnings follow earlier controversy in the security sphere

President Tshisekedi’s “severe warning” comes one week after a previous reminder triggered by controversy around the army spokesperson, Major General Sylvain Ekenge. In December, during a broadcast on state television, he made remarks targeting the Tutsi community, which sparked a strong backlash.

Ekenge has since been suspended and replaced on an interim basis by Lieutenant Colonel Mike Hazukay, a figure well known in the media landscape. The succession highlights how communication itself has become a governance priority within the security context.

Scenarios: a tighter message, a steadier diplomatic lane

With reinforced oversight, Kinshasa is signalling that it wants its diplomatic strategy to be legible to partners and the public alike. By reducing improvisation, the government can limit avoidable escalations and keep attention on formal channels intended to address the eastern crisis.

The immediate test will be whether ministers adapt quickly to the new coordination rules, particularly on sensitive files where domestic pressure is high. For the presidency, the objective appears to be clarity: one line, one voice, and fewer openings for misinterpretation at home and abroad.