On September 26, 2026, Burundian President Évariste Ndayishimiye conveyed a message of compassion to his Democratic Republic of the Congo counterpart, Félix-Antoine Tshisekedi, following a devastating aerial accident in Kenge, located in the Kwango province of southwestern DR Congo. The crash claimed the lives of several high-ranking military officials, including Lieutenant-Generals Joseph Mutombo Katalayi Tiende and Lucien-René Likulia Bakumi.
President Ndayishimiye expressed profound sadness upon learning of the tragic incident, which resulted in the loss of prominent military leaders. In a message posted on his official social media account, he extended his deepest condolences to President Tshisekedi, the families of the victims, and the Congolese army. The Burundian leader also acknowledged the significant impact of the accident on the military and judicial institutions of DR Congo.
The aerial accident occurred on September 25, 2026, in Kenge, and the exact circumstances surrounding the crash are still under investigation. The incident has sparked an outpouring of emotions in DR Congo, with the government announcing national mourning measures to honor the victims. President Ndayishimiye's message of condolence underscores the strong ties between the governments of Burundi and DR Congo.
Lieutenant-Generals Joseph Mutombo Katalayi Tiende and Lucien-René Likulia Bakumi held prominent positions in the Congolese military and judiciary. Tiende served as the first president of the High Military Court, while Bakumi was the auditor general of the Armed Forces of the Democratic Republic of Congo (FARDC). Their passing constitutes a significant loss for the country's military and judicial institutions.
In his message, President Ndayishimiye reaffirmed the solidarity of the Burundian people and government with their Congolese counterparts during this difficult period. He expressed his deepest sympathy to President Tshisekedi, the bereaved families, and the FARDC high command. The Burundian president's gesture reflects the strong bilateral relations between the two nations.
The DR Congo government has announced measures to honor the memory of the victims, including a national period of mourning. The incident has sparked widespread grief across the country, with many paying tribute to the fallen military leaders. President Tshisekedi and his government are expected to play a key role in the upcoming memorial services.
The air crash in Kenge has raised concerns about aviation safety in the region, with many calling for a thorough investigation into the incident. Authorities in DR Congo are working to determine the cause of the crash, which will likely involve a comprehensive analysis of the aircraft and the circumstances surrounding the accident.
Key points
- Burundian President Évariste Ndayishimiye expressed condolences to DR Congo's Félix Tshisekedi following a fatal air crash in Kenge.
- The air crash claimed the lives of high-ranking military officials, including Lieutenant-Generals Joseph Mutombo Katalayi Tiende and Lucien-René Likulia Bakumi.
- DR Congo has announced national mourning measures to honor the victims of the tragic incident.
