Kinshasa — Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) President Félix Tshisekedi is under intense public scrutiny after allegations emerged that he is involved in an affair with his Foreign Affairs Minister, Thérèse Kayikwamba Wagner, 43, who is reported to be pregnant with his child. The claims, which first circulated widely on social media and in online news reports, have sparked tension within the presidential household and among political observers.
According to these reports, DRC First Lady Denise Nyakeru Tshisekedi is said to have called for the minister’s resignation, deepening the controversy within the corridors of power in Kinshasa. Wagner has reportedly confirmed her pregnancy amid growing public reaction and online debate.
The alleged situation has drawn attention not simply because of the personal nature of the claims but because it comes at a difficult moment for Tshisekedi’s presidency. The DRC is contending with persistent conflict in its eastern provinces and diplomatic challenges on multiple fronts. At the same time, Tshisekedi’s administration is positioning Wagner for a possible leadership role within the Organisation internationale de la Francophonie (OIF), where she would be a candidate for the post of Secretary-General at the summit scheduled for later this year. Analysts say that this diplomatic bid, already demanding in itself, has been complicated by the scandal’s political implications.
The current foreign minister, who has held the position since June 2024, has significantly participated in regional peace talks that aimed at restoring peace. However, there have been issues pertaining to her personal life, where she has at other times denied rumors and threats against her dignity and family life, which had been described as defamation, rejecting such rumors at the end of 2025.
There is no official statement from the DRC on their presidency regarding these accusations, although government sources have indicated measures are being taken to ensure perception is managed, hence mitigating political fallouts. Other discussions are still being had at both national and international levels regarding the political ramifications of leadership ethics, particularly in one of Africa’s largest countries.
Read Also: Fire Ravages Shops and Businesses on ECOWAS Street in Freetown
As with many allegations involving high public figures, clarity on the facts remains limited. Independent verification of personal claims has not been provided by official sources, and it is unclear whether formal inquiries or investigations will be launched. In the meantime, the episode has reignited debate not only about morality and leadership but also about the intersection of private conduct and public office in African politics.
