The drc joins high military court trial of tshiwewe, numbi, and other senior officers

The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) has formally declared its intention to become a civil party in the ongoing legal proceedings before the High Military Court. This significant development concerns the case pitting the Auditor General of the Armed Forces of the Democratic Republic of Congo (FARDC) against several high-ranking military officials and a civilian.

Among the prominent defendants are General John Numbi, formerly the FARDC Inspector General, and General Christian Tshiwewe, who previously served as the FARDC Chief of Staff and military advisor to President Félix Tshisekedi. The indictment also includes seven other senior officers and Pascal Nyembo.

A collective of legal representatives announced the DRC’s decision during a court session on Thursday, June 25, 2026, at the High Military Court. The proceedings, which lasted only a few minutes, also saw the integration of Lieutenant-General Constant Ndima, former military governor of Nord-Kivu, into the judicial panel as an assessor judge.

Following the brief hearing, Maître Jean Mupira, an attorney from the Kinshasa/Gombe bar and a member of the legal collective, addressed the press. While refraining from divulging specific details at this stage, he assured that further information regarding the state’s decision to join as a civil party would be provided to the public as the trial progresses.

Addressing the High Military Court on behalf of the collective, Maître Mupira emphasized, “It is entirely appropriate for the Democratic Republic of Congo to assert itself as a civil party. This action aims to fully demonstrate the extent of the damages incurred and to seek the conviction of the accused, demanding compensation proportional to the harm caused.”

The defendants in this trial face an array of particularly grave charges. These include conspiracy, treason, advocating terrorism, spreading false rumors, violating military orders, desertion abroad, illegal possession of war weapons and ammunition, and inciting military personnel to commit acts contrary to duty and discipline.

The second hearing concluded swiftly due to what Lieutenant-General Joseph Mutombo Katalay Tiende, the First President of the High Military Court, described as “reasons of state” and the unavailability of certain panel members. This adjournment also grants the various defense teams the necessary time to submit their respective legal memoranda. Consequently, the case has been postponed, with the next session scheduled for July 9, 2026.

During the initial hearing, also presided over by Lieutenant-General Joseph Mutombo Katalay Tiende, the military jurisdiction identified the accused individuals. Many were present, accompanied by their legal counsel. These included General Christian Tshiwewe Songesa; General John Numbi Banza Ntambo (currently a fugitive); Major General Maurice Nyembo Kufi; Brigadier General Chinyabuuma Kamukinde; Brigadier General Ngoy wa Kabila John; Brigadier General Sangwa Muhemedi John; Colonel Mukombozi Zahinda Guy; Colonel Sangwa Lumbu Pathy; Colonel Tshinabo Kenge Christophe (also a fugitive); and Pascal Nyembo Muyumba (a fugitive), former Director General of the Centre for Expertise, Evaluation, and Certification of Precious and Semi-Precious Mineral Substances (CEEC).

Notably absent from the opening of the High Military Court session were General John Numbi, Pascal Nyembo Muyumba, and Colonel Tshinabo Kenge Christophe, all of whom are considered at large. The FARDC Auditor General, Lieutenant-General Lucien-René Likulia Bakumi, requested that a default judgment be entered against them. This request, he clarified, aligns with Articles 326 and 327 of the Congolese Military Judicial Code, which apply to defendants who are fugitives from justice.

This latest legal action adds to a growing list of judicial cases involving high-ranking FARDC officers and generals. It unfolds amidst a backdrop of ongoing aggression in eastern DRC, allegedly perpetrated by Rwanda through the AFC/M23 rebellion. Charges in such high-profile cases frequently encompass conspiracy, treason, execution of unlawful orders, and actions or directives contrary to legal statutes during the performance of official duties.