DR CONGO PLANE CRASH CLAIMS 14 LIVES, TWO SENIOR MILITARY OFFICIALS AMONG DEAD

September 26, 2026

KINSHASA: At least 14 people, including two senior military officials, were killed when a plane crashed in the Democratic Republic of Congo while returning to the capital Kinshasa from the southwestern city of Kikwit, Congolese authorities said.

The two military officials were Lieutenant General Mutombo Katalayi Tiende, head of the country's military court, and Lieutenant General Bakumi Likulia, auditor general of the armed forces. Congolese military spokesperson Major General Efomi Ekenge said the aircraft was carrying a delegation and crew, all of whom died in the crash.

According to local officials, the aircraft developed a technical problem during its return journey and subsequently crashed in Kenge. The precise cause of the accident has not yet been established. Tryphon Kin-Kiey Mulumba, chairman of Congo's Civil Aviation Authority, also said the circumstances behind the crash remained unknown.

The Congolese military has opened an investigation into the accident. The crash occurred as government forces continue fighting several armed groups in the country's eastern region, including the Rwanda-backed M23 rebel movement.