On October 5, 2026, President Felix Tshisekedi of the Democratic Republic of the Congo, accompanied by First Lady Denise Nyakeru, paid a visit to the families of two high-ranking magistrates who lost their lives in a plane crash in Kenge, the capital of the Kwango province, on September 25. According to the Congolese Presidency, the President and the First Lady offered their condolences to the families of Lieutenant-General Lucien-René Likulia, Auditor General of the FARDC, and Lieutenant-General Joseph Mutombo, First President of the High Military Court.
The President and the First Lady began their visit by paying their respects at the residence of Lieutenant-General Likulia, before proceeding to visit the family of Lieutenant-General Mutombo. The Congolese Presidency stated that the couple's gesture was a demonstration of solidarity and compassion during this difficult time. The President and the First Lady honored the memory of the deceased by presenting their condolences to their families.
The plane crash that claimed the lives of 17 people, including the two high-ranking magistrates, occurred on September 25 in Kenge. The incident prompted a three-day national mourning period, during which the nation came together to pay its respects to the victims. President Tshisekedi, who is also the Supreme Commander of the FARDC, ordered an in-depth investigation into the causes of the air accident.
The President's visit to the families of the deceased was part of a broader effort to promote national unity and solidarity in the face of tragedy. In the aftermath of the crash, President Tshisekedi called on the Congolese nation to come together and support each other during this difficult time. The President's gesture was seen as a demonstration of his commitment to supporting the families of the victims.
The Congolese government has been working to establish the causes of the plane crash, which is believed to have been one of the deadliest air accidents in the country's recent history. The investigation is expected to shed light on the circumstances surrounding the crash and identify any potential safety lapses that may have contributed to the tragedy.
President Tshisekedi's visit to the families of the deceased high-ranking magistrates was widely seen as a gesture of respect and solidarity. The President's actions were in line with the government's commitment to supporting the families of the victims and promoting national unity in the face of tragedy.
The nation is still reeling from the shock of the plane crash, which claimed the lives of 17 people, including two high-ranking magistrates. The government has promised to provide support to the families of the victims and to work towards preventing similar tragedies in the future.
Key points
- President Tshisekedi visits families of two high-ranking magistrates who died in a plane crash in Kenge on September 25.
- The President orders an in-depth investigation into the causes of the air accident.
- A three-day national mourning period was declared in honor of the 17 victims of the plane crash.
