Democratic Republic of the Congo's Justice Minister, Guillaume Ngefa Atondoko Andali, paid a somber visit to Kenge to pay tribute to two high-ranking military magistrates who lost their lives in a tragic plane crash on September 25, 2026. The crash claimed the lives of Lieutenant-General Joseph Mutombo Katalay 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. The two generals were returning from an official mission to Kikwit in the Kwilu province.
During the emotional gathering, Minister Ngefa commended the late magistrates for their dedication and service to the nation, particularly in the administration of military justice. He emphasized their significant contributions to the country's justice system. The minister expressed his gratitude to the authorities for their response to the tragic accident and urged the nation to remember their sacrifices.
This tribute comes amid ongoing investigations into the circumstances surrounding the air crash. Minister Ngefa declined to comment on the progress of the investigations, stating that it is the responsibility of the competent judicial authorities to communicate on this matter. He assured that the government will allow the investigations to run their course without interference.
The minister also addressed the upcoming funeral arrangements for the two generals, stating that the government had declared a national mourning period and pledged to take care of the burial process. However, due to the ongoing investigations, the authorities prefer to wait for the conclusions before proceeding with the inhumation, to allow the investigations to be completed.
Minister Ngefa's visit to Kenge was part of a three-day official mission to the Kwango and Kwilu provinces, from November 12 to 14, 2026. The mission aimed to assess the functioning of judicial and penitentiary institutions in these provinces. The minister sought to understand the challenges faced by the judicial chain, examine the difficulties encountered by the courts, and evaluate detention conditions in prisons.
Through this visit, Minister Ngefa combined his tribute to the deceased magistrates with an institutional follow-up, in a sector confronted with significant challenges of functioning, effectiveness, and improvement of working conditions. The minister's approach demonstrated the government's commitment to addressing the needs of the judicial sector in these provinces.
The investigations into the plane crash are expected to conclude soon, after which the government will proceed with the burial of the two high-ranking military magistrates. The nation continues to mourn the loss of these prominent figures in the country's justice system.
Key points
- The DR Congo government has declared a national mourning period for the two deceased military magistrates.
- The minister's visit aimed to assess the functioning of judicial institutions in the Kwango and Kwilu provinces.
- The government is awaiting the conclusions of the investigations into the plane crash before proceeding with the funeral arrangements.
