The government of the Democratic Republic of the Congo has declared three days of national mourning and ordered flags to be flown at half-mast across the country, effective Monday, September 28, 2026. This decision was made following the death of Lieutenant-General Joseph Mutombo Katalayi Tiende, the first president of the High Military Court, and Lieutenant-General Lucien-René Likulia Bakumi, the auditor general of the FARDC.
The two top military officials, along with several members of their delegation, died in a crash whose circumstances are yet to be established. The government announced the news in a communiqué published on Saturday, September 26, and expressed its condolences to the families of the deceased. The flags will be flown at half-mast until the burial of the victims.
The government has also ordered an investigation into the crash to establish the facts, circumstances, and causes of the accident. The Minister of State, Minister of Justice, and Keeper of the Seals has instructed the relevant authorities to conduct the investigation in accordance with the laws of the Republic. The probe aims to provide clarity on the incident and determine the causes of the crash.
During the three-day mourning period, the government has called on the population to observe a period of reflection, restraint, and dignity. The authorities have urged citizens not to disseminate or relay images or statements that could undermine the dignity and honor of the deceased or exacerbate the pain of their families.
The DR Congo government has put in place measures to honor the memory of the deceased and ensure that the truth about the incident is established. The investigation will be crucial in determining the causes of the crash and identifying any potential responsibilities. The government has promised to provide updates on the investigation as it unfolds.
The death of the two top military officials has sent shockwaves across the country, with many citizens expressing their condolences to the families of the deceased. The government has assured the public that it will do everything possible to establish the truth about the incident and ensure that those responsible are held accountable.
The national mourning period will be marked by various tributes and ceremonies to honor the memory of the deceased. The government has urged citizens to come together and show respect for the victims and their families during this difficult time. The investigation into the crash will continue, and the government will provide updates on its progress.
Key points
- The DR Congo government has declared three days of national mourning and ordered flags to be flown at half-mast following the death of top military officials in a crash.
- An investigation has been launched into the crash to establish the facts, circumstances, and causes of the accident.
- The government has called on the population to observe a period of reflection, restraint, and dignity during the mourning period.
