Top generals removed from service after months-long investigation into conspiracy against president
KINSHASA, DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF CONGO – President Félix Tshisekedi of the Democratic Republic of Congo has dismissed three high-ranking military officers following a three-month investigation into an alleged plot to overthrow him, according to announcements made by presidential advisors this week.
The dismissed officers include some of the most powerful figures in Congo’s military establishment: General Christian Tshiwewe, who served as Chief of Staff of the Armed Forces and as President Tshisekedi’s personal military advisor; General Franck Ntumba, who was responsible for military operations in the president’s office; and Brigadier General Katende Batubadila Benjamin, deputy director of the Special Security Group charged with protecting senior government officials, who oversaw operations and intelligence.
Secret Presidential Decree
Jean-Jacques Wondo, a Congolese national who serves as an advisor on reforms to the DRC’s intelligence services, revealed that the dismissals were ordered through a classified presidential decree due to the gravity of the charges against the officers.
“This decision is contained in a presidential decree classified as ‘top secret’ and signed by President Félix Tshisekedi, but it cannot remain hidden given the seriousness of the charges against these officers,” Wondo stated.
The dismissals represent a significant shake-up in Congo’s military leadership and raise questions about stability within the armed forces at a time when the country faces ongoing security challenges, particularly in its eastern regions where various armed groups remain active.
Preemptive Security Measures
The removals follow earlier security measures taken on October 6, when several military personnel working closely with the president’s office were transferred away from their positions as a precautionary measure to prevent any potential harm to President Tshisekedi.
Those soldiers were reassigned to military headquarters and given new postings in various parts of the country outside the capital, Kinshasa, effectively removing them from proximity to the seat of power.
Context of Political Instability
The Democratic Republic of Congo has a long history of military coups and attempted power grabs since independence in 1960. President Tshisekedi, who took office in January 2019 in the country’s first peaceful transfer of power, has faced numerous challenges to his authority, including from within the security apparatus.
The DRC, Africa’s second-largest country by area and home to vast mineral wealth, has struggled with political instability, armed conflicts, and corruption throughout its history. The eastern provinces have been particularly volatile, with dozens of armed groups vying for control of territory and resources.
General Tshiwewe’s position as both Chief of Staff and military advisor to the president made him one of the most powerful military figures in the country. His dismissal, along with those of his colleagues, suggests the alleged conspiracy may have reached the highest levels of the military command structure.
Limited Public Information
Details about the nature of the alleged plot remain scarce, with authorities maintaining tight control over information regarding the investigation. The classification of the presidential decree as “top secret” indicates the sensitivity of the matter and possible concerns about wider implications for military loyalty.
Neither the dismissed officers nor their legal representatives have issued public statements regarding the allegations. It remains unclear whether they will face criminal charges or military tribunals in connection with the alleged conspiracy.
Regional Implications
The shake-up comes at a delicate time for the region, as the DRC continues to grapple with the M23 rebel insurgency in the east, which has displaced hundreds of thousands of people and strained relations with neighboring Rwanda, which Kinshasa accuses of supporting the rebels—a charge Rwanda denies.
Political analysts suggest that instability within the military leadership could complicate efforts to address these security challenges and may embolden armed groups operating in the country’s vast, ungoverned spaces.
The dismissals also raise questions about President Tshisekedi’s consolidation of power ahead of future political transitions and whether further purges within the military or intelligence services might follow.
As the situation develops, the Congolese government has not announced replacements for the dismissed officers, leaving uncertainty about who will fill these critical military positions.
