Kinshasa, 06 September 2025 – The Armed Forces of the Democratic Republic of Congo (FARDC) have strongly condemned manipulation and misinformation campaigns targeting General Olivier Gasita, reaffirming their full support for him and the patriotic movement Wazalendo.

During a press briefing held in Kinshasa, FARDC spokesperson General-Major Ekengé Bomusa Efomi Sylvain stated that the Congolese army would regularly inform the public about developments related to Rwanda’s aggression and the war in the East.

Key Messages from the Press Briefing

Support to General Gasita
General Gasita, serving as Deputy Commander in charge of Operations and Intelligence since January 2025, continues to have the full confidence of FARDC’s leadership. Allegations against him were dismissed as unfounded attempts to destabilize the army.
Warning Against Division
FARDC warned against efforts by Rwanda and its allies to manipulate Congolese public opinion and create divisions between Wazalendo fighters and the Congolese army. The army stressed that unity is essential to defeating the aggressor.
Condemnation of “Rwandan Poison”
Officials denounced false accusations spread through social media and political figures, describing them as “Rwandan poison” intended to weaken national defense and justify external aggression.
Captured Combatants Presented

PRESS RELEASE

FARDC Reaffirms Support to General Gasita, Warns Against Division

By

Serge Kitoko Tshibanda

Political Analyst

Serge Kitoko Tshibanda

Comment

Sep 8, 2025

May 15, 2026

2 min read

FARDC condemns manipulation against General Gasita, presents captured Rwandan fighters, and urges unity against Rwanda’s aggression in eastern DRC

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Key Messages from the Press Briefing

Support to General Gasita
General Gasita, serving as Deputy Commander in charge of Operations and Intelligence since January 2025, continues to have the full confidence of FARDC’s leadership. Allegations against him were dismissed as unfounded attempts to destabilize the army.
Warning Against Division
FARDC warned against efforts by Rwanda and its allies to manipulate Congolese public opinion and create divisions between Wazalendo fighters and the Congolese army. The army stressed that unity is essential to defeating the aggressor.
Condemnation of “Rwandan Poison”
Officials denounced false accusations spread through social media and political figures, describing them as “Rwandan poison” intended to weaken national defense and justify external aggression.
Captured Combatants Presented
FARDC confirmed the capture of several Rwandan soldiers and M23 fighters in the Fizi highlands. Six individuals were presented as evidence of Rwanda’s direct involvement in the conflict.
Rejection of Ethnic Hatred
The army rejected divisive narratives linking Congolese officers to ethnic identity, stressing that the military serves the nation as a whole and not communities. FARDC reaffirmed that the Congolese people must not fall into the enemy’s trap of sectarian division.

Final Statement

The Congolese Armed Forces called on the public to remain united and patriotic, and to resist manipulation aimed at undermining the Republic.

“Let us stay strong, united, and patriotic. That is the price to pay if we want a sovereign, united, and strong Congo,” the FARDC statement concluded.

END