A video circulating on social media has sparked controversy, with claims that it shows a Congolese minister choking his cabinet director in Kindu, in the Maniema province. The 36-second clip had garnered significant attention, with over 497,000 views, 2,000 likes, 283 comments, and 818 shares on social media platforms by October 30. The video was shared by multiple users, fueling speculation about the incident.
An investigation by Balobaki Check, however, reveals that the video actually shows an altercation between two individuals: Honoré Mangobo Wakibondo, the deputy cabinet director of the Maniema provincial governor, and Riba Riba, a collaborator of national deputy Jean-Marie Kalumba. According to sources, the incident occurred in the waiting room of Kindu's national airport, in the presence of several high-ranking officials.
The altercation took place on October 26, the same day Prime Minister Judith Suminwa Tuluka visited Kindu as part of a working trip. The Prime Minister launched several infrastructure projects, including the modernization of Kindu's urban road network and the construction of a photovoltaic power plant. The incident involved multiple individuals, including provincial ministers and national deputies.
Two journalists based in Kindu, Lebon Senga and Chadrack Londe, corroborated the details of the incident. According to Senga, Mangobo Wakibondo was taken into custody, and the prosecutor's office was preparing a case against him. Londe provided additional context, stating that the altercation occurred in the airport's honor room, where several officials were waiting for the Prime Minister's arrival.
The incident involved physical confrontation between Mangobo Wakibondo, a member of the Union for Democracy and Social Progress (UDPS), and Riba Riba. The exact circumstances leading to the altercation are not clear, but it is reported to have occurred in the presence of several high-ranking officials, including provincial ministers and national deputies.
The Prime Minister's visit to Kindu was aimed at launching priority infrastructure projects for the province's development. The visit included the launch of urban road modernization works and the laying of the foundation stone for a photovoltaic power plant. The incident, however, has raised concerns about the behavior of public officials in the province.
The altercation has led to consequences for those involved, with Mangobo Wakibondo reportedly in custody. The incident may lead to further action, as the prosecutor's office prepares a case against him. An audience in flagrance could be organized to establish the responsibilities of each individual involved.
Key points
- A video shows an altercation between two Congolese officials in Kindu, not a minister choking his cabinet director as initially claimed.
- The incident occurred in the presence of high-ranking officials, including provincial ministers and national deputies.
- The altercation has led to consequences for those involved, with one individual reportedly in custody.
