A plane crash in the Democratic Republic of Congo has killed 17 people, including two of the country’s senior military justice officials.
The small aircraft, carrying a delegation of military officials, crashed near Kenge in Kwango Province on Friday, September 25, while travelling towards the capital, Kinshasa.
The aircraft went down at around 2 p.m. local time near Kenge, more than 200 kilometres east of Kinshasa. Initial reports put the number of fatalities at 13, but authorities later revised the death toll to 17, comprising 13 passengers and four crew members.
The aircraft was a Let L-410 UVP operated by TRACEP Congo Aviation. Reports indicate that the plane encountered a technical problem during the flight and attempted to land near Kenge before crashing. All those on board were killed.
Among those killed were Lieutenant General Joseph Mutombo Katalayi Tiende, first president of the High Military Court, and Lieutenant General Lucien-René Likulia Bakumi, Auditor General of the Armed Forces of the Democratic Republic of Congo (FARDC). Both were senior figures in the country’s military justice system.
The crash also claimed the lives of several other military personnel and civilians, with a baby among the victims, according to reports.
The incident has highlighted concerns over air transport in the Democratic Republic of Congo, where aviation remains an important means of travel amid challenges with the country’s road infrastructure. Some airports and navigation facilities have also faced infrastructure and equipment limitations.
The government has opened an investigation into the crash. Authorities have also suspended TRACEP Congo Aviation’s Air Operator Certificate pending the findings of the investigation.
Likulia had been a prominent figure in a major military court case involving former President Joseph Kabila. In August 2025, he sought the death penalty against Kabila, who was being tried in absentia on charges including treason and war crimes. Kabila was later sentenced to death by the High Military Court in September 2025.
President Félix Tshisekedi has ordered an investigation into the crash.
