The Embassy of Rwanda in the United States has strongly rejected allegations that Rwandan security personnel attempted to harm Denise Nyakeru Tshisekedi, the First Lady of the Democratic Republic of the Congo, during her stay at a hotel in Washington, D.C.
In a statement released on March 25, 2026, the embassy described the claims as “shameful falsehoods” that should be dismissed and condemned. It added that despite the facts of the situation, some individuals including a spokesperson from DR Congo had continued to spread misleading information in media appearances.
According to the embassy, the incident involved an unarmed member of Rwanda’s security team who briefly encountered Congolese security personnel in a hotel lobby accessible to all guests. Both delegations were reportedly staying at the same hotel.
The Rwandan official was allegedly denied access to an elevator by Congolese security officers, an action the embassy criticized as inappropriate and unprofessional, noting that no one had restricted access to that area.
The embassy emphasized that the situation was quickly resolved without escalation. However, it also claimed that members of the Rwandan delegation were harassed and filmed by unknown individuals as they were leaving the hotel.
Following the incident, the Rwandan delegation decided to relocate to another hotel. The embassy praised its team for maintaining professionalism and restraint, avoiding any confrontation despite what it described as provocation.
The statement comes amid circulating rumors suggesting that Rwandan security forces had targeted the Congolese First Lady claims the embassy firmly denied, reiterating that no such attempt was made.
