On September 1, 2025, President Félix Tshisekedi led a solemn double tribute in Kinshasa for General Peter Cirimwami, Military Governor of North Kivu, and Colonel Alexis Rubagisha, Deputy Commander of the Rapid Reaction Brigade. Both officers lost their lives on the frontlines earlier this year while defending Congolese territory.

The ceremony was attended by heads of national institutions, senior government officials, FARDC generals, and grieving families. The President, alongside First Lady Denise Nyakeru, bowed before the two coffins draped in the national flag.

Posthumous Honors

General Cirimwami was posthumously promoted to Lieutenant-General, while Colonel Rubagisha was elevated to Brigadier General. Both were also admitted into the National Order of Heroes “Kabila-Lumumba,” the highest national honor reserved for those who sacrifice for Congo.

After the tributes, the remains were escorted to the newly inaugurated “Soldier’s Rest” Cemetery in the N’sele commune, about 50 km from Kinshasa. Covering 74 hectares, it is the largest public military cemetery in the capital, with sections planned for more than 600 tombs each, and space also reserved for civilian officials.

Voices of Gratitude

General Ephraim Kabi, commander of the Republican Guard, praised the site as a “sanctuary of dignity and eternal gratitude.” The Chief of Staff of the FARDC also thanked the President for honoring the memory of soldiers who gave their lives for the nation.

In his address, President Tshisekedi hailed the courage of the two officers and vowed to continue the pursuit of those responsible for crimes against civilians in eastern DRC.

“The bravery of our fallen heroes inspires us to intensify the hunt for all perpetrators, sponsors, and accomplices of the crimes committed against our people,” the President declared.

A Symbol of National Unity