The Democratic Republic of Congo has placed several senior military officers in detention as part of a sweeping investigation into alleged threats against state security, according to information reported by RFI.
The officers, including high-ranking generals, have been transferred to the Ndolo military prison in Kinshasa, where they are facing prosecution before military courts on charges described as particularly serious. The accusations reportedly include conspiracy against the Head of State, attempted assassination, treason, and other acts considered a direct threat to national stability.
Congolese authorities say the ongoing judicial process is aimed at safeguarding the integrity of the state and reinforcing discipline within the armed forces at a time when the country faces persistent external aggression and security challenges, particularly in the eastern provinces.
High-profile figures among the detainees
Among those detained is General Franck Ntumba, the former head of the presidential security unit, a sensitive and strategic structure directly linked to the protection of President Félix Tshisekedi. He was long considered one of the most influential figures within the country’s security apparatus.
Also in custody is General Christian Tshiwewe, a former Chief of Staff of the Armed Forces who, at the time of his arrest, was serving as a military adviser to President Tshisekedi. Another senior officer, General Christian Ndaywel Okura, previously head of military intelligence and more recently commander of ground forces, has also been detained.
RFI reports that a total of 11 generals and 14 other senior officers are implicated in the case.
Investigations linked to national security
On November 22, 2025, the former spokesperson of the Armed Forces, Major-General Sylvain Ekenge, publicly confirmed the arrests. He declined to provide detailed information at the time, stating that the matter concerned “national security” and required discretion due to the sensitivity of the investigations.
Subsequent reporting indicates that several of the suspects were initially held in undisclosed locations before being formally transferred to Ndolo military prison. Authorities reportedly restricted visits after determining that the suspects could pose risks to security.
JUSTICE & CRIME
DRC Detains Senior Army Officers Over Alleged Plot Against State
Jan 9, 2026
May 15, 2026
4 min read
Published
Updated:
The Democratic Republic of Congo has placed several senior military officers in detention as part of a sweeping investigation into alleged threats against state security, according to information reported by RFI.
The officers, including high-ranking generals, have been transferred to the Ndolo military prison in Kinshasa, where they are facing prosecution before military courts on charges described as particularly serious. The accusations reportedly include conspiracy against the Head of State, attempted assassination, treason, and other acts considered a direct threat to national stability.
Congolese authorities say the ongoing judicial process is aimed at safeguarding the integrity of the state and reinforcing discipline within the armed forces at a time when the country faces persistent external aggression and security challenges, particularly in the eastern provinces.
High-profile figures among the detainees
Among those detained is General Franck Ntumba, the former head of the presidential security unit, a sensitive and strategic structure directly linked to the protection of President Félix Tshisekedi. He was long considered one of the most influential figures within the country’s security apparatus.
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Also in custody is General Christian Tshiwewe, a former Chief of Staff of the Armed Forces who, at the time of his arrest, was serving as a military adviser to President Tshisekedi. Another senior officer, General Christian Ndaywel Okura, previously head of military intelligence and more recently commander of ground forces, has also been detained.
RFI reports that a total of 11 generals and 14 other senior officers are implicated in the case.
Investigations linked to national security
On November 22, 2025, the former spokesperson of the Armed Forces, Major-General Sylvain Ekenge, publicly confirmed the arrests. He declined to provide detailed information at the time, stating that the matter concerned “national security” and required discretion due to the sensitivity of the investigations.
Subsequent reporting indicates that several of the suspects were initially held in undisclosed locations before being formally transferred to Ndolo military prison. Authorities reportedly restricted visits after determining that the suspects could pose risks to security.
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Human rights oversight and judicial process
The National Human Rights Commission (CNDH), led by Paul Nsapu, was among the few institutions granted access to the detainees. The commission informed RFI that the officers were being held in acceptable conditions and confirmed that it would closely monitor the legal proceedings to ensure respect for due process.
According to judicial sources, the preliminary investigation phase has now concluded, and the cases are moving into active trial stages. Several of the accused were placed in pre-trial detention at Ndolo prison over the past week.
One military magistrate told RFI that proceedings are advancing swiftly, noting that “military justice is accelerating” and that some defendants could appear in court in the near future as the investigation phase wraps up.
A test of institutional resilience
The case has exposed underlying tensions within certain segments of the security services, but Congolese authorities maintain that the process demonstrates the state’s determination to uphold the rule of law, even at the highest levels of the military hierarchy.
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Observers note that the firm response reflects President Félix Tshisekedi’s broader effort to reinforce state authority, protect democratic institutions, and prevent internal destabilization at a time when the country continues to face confirmed external interference and aggression.
Human rights organizations are calling for transparency and fairness as the trials proceed. The CNDH has announced it will deploy dedicated teams to follow all hearings once they formally begin.
As proceedings move forward, the government has reiterated that accountability within the armed forces is essential to defending national sovereignty and ensuring the security of the Congolese people.
Source based on the article published by BBC News
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