DR Congo First Lady Unharmed After Attempted Break-in at Washington Hotel

DRC First Lady Denise Nyakeru at an event in United States

WASHINGTON/KINSHASA: The Democratic Republic of Congo said on Tuesday its First Lady, Denise Nyakeru Tshisekedi, is safe following a reported attempted break-in at a Washington hotel where she is staying during an official visit to the United States.

Government spokesperson Patrick Muyaya said authorities in Kinshasa were in contact with U.S. officials to establish the circumstances surrounding the incident, which remains under investigation.

“We are in contact with the American authorities and will get back to you as soon as we have more details. I want to reassure the public: the First Lady is doing well,” Muyaya said.

Initial reports indicated that unidentified individuals attempted to access the hotel where Nyakeru is residing. It was not immediately clear whether the incident specifically targeted the First Lady or was part of a broader security breach.

The development comes as Nyakeru undertakes a high-level visit to Washington at the invitation of Melania Trump, participating in engagements linked to the “Fostering the Future Together Coalition,” an initiative focused on social and humanitarian issues.

In a statement posted from Washington prior to the incident, Nyakeru said she had held discussions with Ambassador Melanne Verveer of the Georgetown Institute for Women, Peace and Security, focusing on the plight of women and girls in conflict zones in the Democratic Republic of Congo.

“Our discussions focused on the situation of women and girls in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, particularly in conflict zones, where sexual violence remains a major concern,” she said.

She added that efforts would center on “strengthening their protection, combating impunity, and promoting the role of women in peacebuilding,” warning that “as long as women’s bodies are used as a weapon of war, peace will remain out of reach.”

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The First Lady reaffirmed her commitment to advancing these issues, underscoring her growing international advocacy role alongside President Félix Tshisekedi.

U.S. authorities have yet to publicly comment on the reported incident, but diplomatic sources said security measures around Nyakeru had been tightened as a precaution.

The episode highlights heightened concerns over the security of visiting dignitaries amid increased global tensions, even as officials in Kinshasa urged calm and cautioned against speculation pending further details.