Kinshasa, April 20th, 2026 (CPA).- The head of the military prosecutor’s office of the Armed Forces of the Democratic Republic of Congo (FARDC) has been ordered by the Minister in charge of Justice to launch investigations into a case of torture involving military personnel in Kinshasa, according to a statement from the ministry consulted on Monday by CPA.
“Consequently, the Minister of State in charge of Justice and Keeper of the Seals has instructed the FARDC Auditor General to launch a judicial investigation to establish the facts, identify those responsible and bring proceedings before the competent courts,” it is read. According to the source, the Minister in charge of Justice has been informed on April 19th, 2026, by a whistle-blower, a witness to the facts, who has sent him a video showing serious violations allegedly committed by several individuals, some of whom were in uniform.
The same source has indicated that the events had taken place during the night of April 18th -19th, 2026, at around 4 a.m., at the residence of the singer Deborah Tshimpaka, whose stage name is Rebo Tchulo. This was in the Pigeon district, in the Ngaliema municipality, in the west of the Congolese capital. “(…), if established, the alleged acts are likely to constitute offences of particular gravity, notably acts of torture, assault and battery, as well as incitement by military personnel to commit unlawful acts, which are punishable under the Military Criminal Code and fall within the jurisdiction of the military courts,” the statement has reminded. According to the Ministry in charge of Justice, the Congolese Government remains committed to upholding the rule of law, combating impunity, and protecting, without distinction, the physical integrity and dignity of every person.