On Sept. 25 a Congolese military aircraft crashed while returning from Kikwit to Kinshasa, killing 14 people, the FARDC said. The dead included two senior military magistrates: Lt. Gen. Joseph Mutombo Katalayi Tiende and Lt. Gen. Lucien René Likulia Bakumi. FARDC has opened an investigation into the circumstances and causes of the crash and extended condolences to the families. The announcement comes amid ongoing operations against rebel groups, including the M23, in eastern DRC.
Plane Crash in DR Congo Kills 14, Including Two Senior Military Magistrates
Stock image of the flag of the Democratic Republic of the CongoCredit: BENOIT DOPPAGNE/BELGA MAG/AFP via Getty
More than a dozen people died when a Congolese military aircraft crashed on Sept. 25 while returning to Kinshasa from Kikwit, the Armed Forces of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (FARDC) said. The accident claimed the lives of 14 people, including two senior military magistrates.
Among the dead were Lieutenant General Joseph Mutombo Katalayi Tiende, First President of the High Military Court, and Lieutenant General Lucien René Likulia Bakumi, Auditor General of the Armed Forces. FARDC said the delegation members and crew also perished, but the identities of the remaining victims have not yet been released.
"The Armed Forces of the Democratic Republic of the Congo mourn the loss of these senior military magistrates, who dedicated their entire careers—with honor, dedication, and determination—to the service of the Republic," FARDC said in a statement.
Investigation Launched
The military has opened an inquiry to determine the exact circumstances and causes of the crash. FARDC said investigators are working to establish what happened, and the agency extended its deepest condolences to the families of the deceased.
News organizations seeking additional comment said FARDC did not immediately respond to outside requests for information. The announcement comes as Congolese forces continue operations against rebel groups in the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo, including the Rwanda-backed M23, which has been active in the region since last year.
Authorities have not released details about the crash site, the type of aircraft involved, or a projected timeline for the investigation. Further updates are expected as officials provide more information.
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