DR Congo Military Plane Crash: 14 Killed, Two Senior Generals Among Dead in Kwango Province

September 26, 2026

Kinshasa: At least 14 people, including two senior military officials, were killed after a military-linked aircraft crashed in Kenge in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DR Congo) while returning to the capital Kinshasa from the southwestern city of Kikwit.

The aircraft reportedly developed a technical problem during the journey and crashed in Kenge, the capital of Kwango Province. Authorities have opened an investigation to determine the exact cause of the accident.

Two Senior Military Officials Among Those Killed

The two senior officers killed in the crash were Lieutenant General Mutombo Katalayi Tiende, who headed the country’s military court, and Lieutenant General Bakumi Likulia, the auditor general of the armed forces.

According to the Congolese military, the aircraft was carrying a delegation that included the two generals. Other members of the delegation and crew members were also killed in the crash.

Aircraft Crashed in Kenge While Returning to Kinshasa

The aircraft was travelling from Kikwit towards Kinshasa when it reportedly encountered a technical fault. Local authorities said it subsequently crashed in Kenge, where everyone on board died.

Reports said the crash occurred in a residential area. Local officials also reported that several victims were badly burned, making identification difficult.

Investigation Underway to Determine Cause

The Congolese authorities have launched an investigation into the accident. Officials have not yet established the precise cause of the crash, and the reported technical problem has not been confirmed as the final cause.

The investigation will determine the circumstances surrounding the aircraft’s loss and the crash in Kenge.