Since late July 2025, the DRC's military oversight body, led by Gen. Gabriel Amisi Kumba, has been probing whether senior military officers played a role in the withdrawals. Gen. Kumba has identified 25 high-ranking officers, all holding the rank of General, who were involved in the command of operations across Kinshasa, eastern Congo, and other regions.
Among those under scrutiny are Gen. Christian Tshiwewe, former Chief of Staff of the Congolese armed forces, and Gen. Franck Ntumba, who oversees military operations at the President's office. Both were arrested last month on suspicion of plotting against the Head of State.
Other officers on the list include Army spokesperson Gen. Maj. Sylvain Ekenge Bomusa, Lt. Gen. Constant Ndima, former commander of North Kivu, Gen. Chico Tshitambwe Jérôme, and Lt. Gen. Padiri Bulenda David, head of the Rapid Intervention Force.
Gen. Kumba stated that the investigation aims to identify weaknesses in the army's battlefield operations and implement measures to strengthen military performance.
The AFC/M23 coalition captured Bunagana in June 2022, seven months after launching its offensive. Its leader, Corneille Nangaa, said in June 2025 that the group now controls areas spanning 34,000 square kilometres.
IGIHE
