On September 26, 2026, the Vice Prime Minister and Minister of National Defense and Veterans, Guy Kabombo Muadiamvita, chaired an emergency meeting of the high command of the Armed Forces of the Democratic Republic of Congo (FARDC) in Kinshasa. This urgent gathering followed a tragic air crash in Kenge, which claimed the lives of two senior military judges on September 25, 2026.
The victims of the air crash 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 FARDC near the High Military Court. They were part of a delegation that tragically perished in the accident in the Kwango province.
During the meeting, Guy Kabombo urged members of the high command to display "an attitude of respect and dignity" in honor of the deceased. He also called on them to demonstrate "a high sense of duty, responsibility, and institutional solidarity" during this period of mourning. The Minister stated that investigations are ongoing to determine the exact circumstances of the crash.
According to the Ministry of Defense, three key areas have been identified to coordinate the institutional response related to the funerals and official tributes to the two general officers, in recognition of their careers in military justice and the FARDC. The organization of the funerals will be handled by the competent authorities, in accordance with instructions from President Félix Tshisekedi, Supreme Commander of the FARDC.
Following the meeting, Guy Kabombo visited the families of the victims to present the government's condolences and assure them of the state's support. This gesture underscores the government's commitment to standing by the families of the deceased during this difficult time.
In a related development, President Félix Tshisekedi declared a three-day national mourning period starting from Monday, September 28, 2026, in honor of the victims. This decision reflects the nation's respect and tribute to the deceased military judges and their contributions to the country's justice system.
The air crash in Kenge has sparked widespread concern and raised questions about the safety and management of air travel in the region. As investigations continue, the nation remains in mourning, paying tribute to the lives lost and the service they rendered to the country.
Key points
- The DR Congo government has declared a three-day national mourning period for the two military judges killed in the air crash.
- An emergency meeting was held by the FARDC high command to address the implications of the tragic air crash.
- Investigations are ongoing to determine the cause of the fatal air crash in Kenge.
