Wagner has confirmed her pregnancy amidst widespread public scrutiny and social media backlash, and has come under intense criticism.
MP’s Revenge: Nsibambi Cuts Off Power From Villagers That Denied Him Votes
Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) President Félix Tshisekedi is facing intense political scrutiny over allegations of having an affair with Foreign Minister Thérèse Kayikwamba Wagner, 43, who is reportedly pregnant with his child.
The scandal has sparked tension within the presidential household, with First Lady Denise Nyakeru Tshisekedi demanding Wagner’s resignation.
Wagner has confirmed her pregnancy amidst widespread public scrutiny and social media backlash, and has come under intense criticism.
To mitigate the fallout, Tshisekedi is reportedly supporting Wagner’s candidacy for Secretary-General of the Organisation internationale de la Francophonie (OIF), competing against incumbent Louise Mushikiwabo of Rwanda.
The election is scheduled for the OIF Summit in November 2026 in Phnom Penh, Cambodia. However, analysts say Wagner’s chances are slim, given regional rivalries between Kigali and Kinshasa, and Mushikiwabo’s strong backing from several member states. The scandal complicates Tshisekedi’s governance amidst eastern Congo conflicts and diplomatic strains.
Sources familiar with the DRC administration say President Tshisekedi is keen to contain the political fallout and protect the functioning of his administration.
Mushikiwabo, who has led the Francophonie since 2019, is widely viewed as the frontrunner due to strong backing from several member states and Rwanda’s sustained diplomatic lobbying.
Mukono Tally Centre Erupts in Protest Over Lack of Transparency in Vote Counting