Tshisekedi Removes Top Military Commanders Over Alleged Plot to Undermine Presidency

A significant shake-up has struck the Democratic Republic of Congo’s military leadership after President Félix Tshisekedi dismissed three senior officers who have spent the past three months under investigation for allegedly plotting against him.

Those removed include General Christian Tshiwewe, the former Chief of Staff of the Armed Forces of the DRC and a top adviser to Tshisekedi on security matters. He is joined by General Franck Ntumba, who was responsible for military operations within the presidential palace, and Brigadier General Katende Batubadila Benjamin, the former deputy commander overseeing operations and intelligence for the elite unit tasked with protecting high-ranking state officials.

Jean-Jacques Wondo, a Congolese security reform analyst and former government adviser, confirmed that the dismissals were quietly formalized through a confidential presidential decree.“This decision was signed by President Félix Tshisekedi under strict classification due to the sensitivity and seriousness of the accusations directed at these officers,” Wondo explained.

The removal follows an earlier precautionary step taken on October 6, which saw the officers redeployed away from the presidency. They were transferred to the national military headquarters and assigned duties outside Kinshasa to prevent any potential threat to the Head of State while investigations continued.

The move underscores heightened internal security concerns within the top levels of the FARDC and suggests that the presidency is working to reinforce loyalty and control amid growing political and military pressures. Analysts note that the leadership change also comes during a period of ongoing insecurity in eastern Congo, where several armed groups, including M23, continue to challenge government forces.

While the government has not publicly detailed the alleged plot, the secrecy surrounding both the investigation and the dismissals indicates the gravity of the threat perceived within the presidency.

As observers monitor developments, questions remain about how the shake-up will affect military cohesion and operations at a time when national security demands stronger unity. The government is expected to announce replacements and further structural adjustments in the coming weeks.

With tensions high and conflict escalating in the east, the stability of the armed forces remains a critical concern shaping the political environment in Kinshasa.