The image in question was shared on social media platforms, including Facebook, with claims that it showed Lithuanian tourists arrested at Mount Ngaliema in Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of Congo. The tourists were allegedly in possession of drones, cameras, and firearms, and were said to be planning to escape several generals detained at the Ndolo military prison. However, a reverse image search using Google Lens revealed that the image actually shows the arrest of 15 Mai-Mai Bakata Katanga militiamen on August 4, 2026.
The Mai-Mai Bakata Katanga militiamen were arrested by the Congolese Armed Forces (FARDC) following an attack on the Kyubo military base in Haut-Katanga province. The arrest was confirmed by several credible sources, including 7sur7.cd, Opinion Info, and Reporter.cd. According to these sources, the militiamen were presented to the public on August 4, 2026, by the provincial Minister of Interior and Security, Jean-Jacques Kashiba, and the commander of the 22nd military region, General Eddy Kapend.
Despite the credible sources confirming the arrest of the Mai-Mai militiamen, no information has been found about the arrest of Lithuanian tourists at Mount Ngaliema in Kinshasa. The viral image has been shared widely, with many people expressing concern and outrage on social media. However, it appears that the image was taken out of context and is being used to spread misinformation.
The Democratic Republic of Congo and Lithuania have recently established diplomatic relations, with the two countries signing an agreement on September 24, 2026, in New York. The agreement aims to strengthen cooperation between the two countries in several areas, including economy, trade, digitalization, environment, energy, and critical minerals. However, there is no information available about Lithuanian tourists being arrested in Kinshasa.
The original Facebook post sharing the viral image was made by a page called "Action Présidentielle TV" on October 15, 2026. The post claimed that the tourists were trying to escape several generals detained at the Ndolo military prison and that they had entered the country through Brazzaville, Republic of Congo. However, no credible evidence has been found to support these claims.
Several fact-checking organizations, including Eleza Fact, have investigated the viral image and found it to be misleading. The image does not show Lithuanian tourists, but rather Mai-Mai militiamen arrested in Haut-Katanga province. The fact-checking organizations have called for caution and verification of information before sharing it on social media.
In conclusion, the viral image claiming to show Lithuanian tourists arrested in Kinshasa with drones and guns has been debunked as false. The image actually shows the arrest of Mai-Mai militiamen in Haut-Katanga province. No credible information has been found about the arrest of Lithuanian tourists in Kinshasa.
Key points
- The viral image shows the arrest of 15 Mai-Mai Bakata Katanga militiamen, not Lithuanian tourists.
- The arrest of the Mai-Mai militiamen was confirmed by credible sources, including 7sur7.cd, Opinion Info, and Reporter.cd.
- No credible information has been found about the arrest of Lithuanian tourists in Kinshasa.
