A reported security incident involving Denise Nyakeru Tshisekedi, the first lady of the Democratic Republic of the Congo, is under investigation after officials described a possible attempted intrusion at a U.S. hotel, though key details remain disputed.
A spokesperson for the Congolese government said there had been “an attempt to break into the room of the First Lady,” raising concerns about a potential assassination attempt. The spokesperson added that authorities were working with partners to clarify the circumstances and ensure security.
However, officials from Rwanda strongly rejected that characterization. In a statement, the Rwandan embassy in Washington said the incident was “a misunderstanding between security personnel” and not a targeted attack.
According to the embassy, “an unarmed member of our security detail briefly encountered Congolese guards in a shared space of the hotel,” adding that the situation was contained quickly and without harm.
The Congolese side has maintained a more serious interpretation. The government spokesperson reiterated that the incident involved “an attempt to access the First Lady’s room under unclear circumstances,” and said investigations were ongoing.
The episode occurred while Nyakeru was in Washington attending official engagements alongside other first ladies. She was not harmed.
U.S. authorities have not publicly confirmed details of the incident or whether it constitutes an attempted assassination.
The differing accounts highlight the broader tensions between the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Rwanda, linked to ongoing insecurity in eastern Congo and strained diplomatic relations.
Nyakeru, who has served as first lady since 2019, is the wife of President Félix Tshisekedi.
Officials from both countries agree that a security encounter took place but differ sharply on its nature with Congolese authorities raising alarm over a possible intrusion, and Rwandan officials insisting it was a brief, non-threatening incident.
No independent findings from U.S. investigators have yet been released.
This story will be updated as more information becomes available.
